Apartment Firms Staff Up to Meet New Rental Demand, Survey Says
Reflecting the growing demand for apartment homes, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of multifamily firms grew their staff last year and 62 percent increased their merit bonus pool, according to the National Multi Housing Council’s (NMHC) 2012 Apartment Compensation Survey.
Washington, D.C.— Reflecting the growing demand for apartment homes, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of multifamily firms grew their staff last year and 62 percent increased their merit bonus pool, according to the National Multi Housing Council’s (NMHC) 2012 Apartment Compensation Survey. The annual survey, based upon the data of over 50,000 employees at 93 major apartment firms, provides detailed analysis of industry hiring practices–including salary, variable pay and total compensation of nearly 100 industry positions.
Firms that added staff increased their total number of employees by an average of 11 percent, with maintenance, leasing and property management positions being in the highest demand. These same positions were also most likely to receive a salary increase, typically 3 percent. Overall, 81 percent of firms reported an increase in their total compensation budgets.
The uptick in hiring comes on the heels of a strengthening multifamily market. Over three quarters (77 percent) of firms rated their financial performance better in 2011 than 2010, and 78 percent expect 2012 to improve further. The optimism also feeds into projected 2013 budgets, as 69 percent expect their merit budgets to grow next year.
NMHC’s 2012 Apartment Compensation Survey was conducted from April to June 2012 by FPL Associates L.P., providers of specialized compensation and management consulting solutions to the real estate industry. The survey includes detailed compensation data for 94 apartment industry positions, ranging from top executives to leasing consultants.
