Category Archives for multifamily real estate

3 ways to add value in multifamily real estate

By executing a value-add strategy, many investors have been able to increase returns on their multifamily investments. Value-add investments generally target assets that have existing cash flow, but also offer the upside potential of increasing that cash flow through repositioning and implementing improvements to the property. As a result, the property can command higher rents, attract quality tenants, increase tenant satisfaction/retention as well as increase operating efficiencies.

According to the Yardi Matrix report, U.S. multifamily rents grew 3.2% year-over-year from May 2018 to May 2019 (see chart below). Multifamily operators typically increase rents, but in addition they can achieve an even higher rent premium in assets that have room for improvements.

In multifamily real estate, there are many ways an operator can reposition the property and create value. These includes adding value in the form of interior renovations, exterior improvements to the property, and amenities to achieve higher marketability and resident comfort. Strategic improvements can turn an under-performing asset into a high-performing asset. Such enhancements include interior unit renovations with upgraded appliances, cabinets, flooring, lighting and plumbing fixtures, depending upon the market and level of upgrades warranted. Upgraded community amenities often include an expanded fitness center, outdoor entertainment areas , and clubhouse modernization. Once the operator has successfully executed the value-add program, the property should yield a rent premium in addition to the standard rent growth in the market. Successful value-add opportunities offer cash flow throughout the hold period and capital appreciation at sale.

Lloyd Jones’ top three recommendations can be grouped into: interior renovations, curb appeal, and upgraded amenities
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1. Interior renovations: Upgrading the units themselves typically involves new cabinetry or appliances and perhaps better flooring. This adds value while aiding in keeping turnover low because these changes directly enhance the quality of life of each resident. At the same time, these energy efficient, maintenance-reducing improvements often decrease the operating expenses of the property.

2. Curb appeal: Not only could improving the landscape of the building please the tenants, but it is likely to catch the attention of potential new residents as well.

3. Upgraded amenities: This can result from enhancing existing amenities such as pools or gyms, or creating new amenities like a dog park or Amazon package locker system. Such changes will offer residents benefits that are typically difficult to access in other types of housing.

Renters often oppose sometimes resist rent hikes. They have many choices in multifamily housing so it is crucial for operators to implement strategies that provide unique or in-demand amenities for which residents are willing to pay premium rents. Without resident satisfaction, there are no fruitful yields for the investment.

Thoughts on the looming recession

Since the Fed announced its rate cut on July 31st, talks of recession have consumed the markets. With the pending Fed meeting on September 17th, it is largely expected that a consecutive rate cut will follow. A continuation of rate cuts would indicate that the Fed believes the US economy is contracting, and thus we are more likely to be closer to the looming recession.

According to Economist John Mauldin, “Lower asset prices aren’t the result of a recession. They cause the recession. That’s because access to credit drives consumer spending and business investment. Take it away and they decline. Recession follows. The last credit crisis came from subprime mortgages. Those are getting problematic again. But I think today’s bigger risk is the sheer amount of corporate debt, especially high-yield bonds.”

Economists such as Mauldin are pointing to the high levels of corporate debt as the cause of the next recession, or in other words, the “bubble”. Bubbles occur when the market prices an asset above it’s true value. For investors seeking yield but wanting to avoid the risk of investing in corporate debt, real estate investments are a suitable option.

Real estate investments, particularly multifamily, are often recession-proof investments.  Multifamily real estate is recession-proof because during down markets renters have largely proven to maintain their rents. Such housing doesn’t carry the risk of other classes such as single family. The charts below show the percentage change in the prior year for rental and for sale houses from 2008 to 2018. As illustrated below, during the recession of 2008, rental vacancies dropped less than 1% in the following year while housing vacancies decreased by 10%. 

The Fed’s next meeting may indicate how quickly the looming recession could occur, but sophisticated investors will position themselves to be prepared in advance. 

The shift in American status symbols

Throughout recent history, a mark of American status was the spacious home with the plush yard and picket fence. Young couples and growing families strove for this style of living to exemplify their status and enjoy what may be perceived as the American dream.


Today, the home with the picket fence is no longer a goal for many. Most millenials and the new era of young families are opting for flexibility, mobility, maintenance-free lifestyle which can be found in multifamily. As mentioned in last week’s blog, We are living in a rental economy, 82% of renters affirmed that renting is the affordable option, and this trend is only growing.

Earlier this year, the WSJ confirmed in their article A Growing Problem in Real Estate: Too Many Too Big Houses that “Large, high-end homes across the Sunbelt are sitting on the market, enduring deep price cuts to sell.” The same homes that were once sought after as a status symbol are no longer regarded as such. The article goes on to state that “Now, many boomers are discovering that these large, high-maintenance houses no longer fit their needs as they grow older, but younger people aren’t buying them.”

According to Fannie Mae’s report, The Coming Exodus of Older Homeowners, boomers’ homeownership is projected to decrease by nearly 30 million over the next couple of decades (see chart below). Across all demographics, we are witnessing a shift toward more practical living, multifamily. 

We are living in a rental economy

A few weeks ago the WSJ reported that “U.S. homeownership rate fell for a second straight quarter, as high prices and limited starter-home inventory are steering more households toward renting.”  This coupled with the fact that home prices rose over the last 2 decades while wages have remained stagnant (see chart below) confirms that we are living in a rental economy.

Although the economics of wages, home prices, and supply drive many hopeful homeowners into renting, others prefer renting for mobile flexibility, lack of debt, and access to amenities and advantages that they may not otherwise have in a single family home.

In Freddie Mac’s recent survey of renters and homeowners, 82% of renters stated that renting is more affordable for them (see chart below). This percentage has steadily increased from 69% in January 2016, further affirming the idea that the rental economy is here to stay.

How are institutional investors reacting to the rate cut?

Less than two weeks ago, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced its first rate cut since 2008. This decision surprised few given the uncertainty in the economy and global trade tensions. What did perhaps surprise many was the effect that the Fed’s decision had on the bond markets. Since the Fed’s announcement on July 31, the 10-year treasury yield has dropped from 2.02 to 1.73. But what does this mean for investors’ portfolios?

According to Economist John Mauldin, “the longer an inverted yield curve persists and the deeper it gets, the higher the probability of recession within the next 9–15 months.” Mauldin predicts a flight of capital toward high-yield junk bonds. Such assets may be able to provide yield, but at what cost?

The safest yield-producing investment during such tumultuous times is multifamily real estate. We have been specializing in multifamily real estate for 40 years because during down markets, it is the most resilient asset class (see Figure 1 below from CBRE Research).

We are already witnessing some of the most high profile investment firms, such as Iconiq Capital, buying up apartment buildings throughout major US cities (Source: WSJ). The timing of these investments demonstrates where the smart money is headed to prepare for our next economic cycle, and that is multifamily real estate.

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