7 Sources for Multifamily Market Data

Multifamily market data is essential to investors and analysts in understanding market trends driven by shifting demographics, economic trends and supply. Data is the cornerstone of any operational activity, and technological advances continue fine-tuning data gathering and processing systems. Continuous technological advancements lead to constant improvement in working with data while expanding knowledge and power to put it to practical use.

The standard metrics analyzed in multifamily market data include information on property values and sales details, rent movement and occupancy, property upgrades and renovations, and can go even more in-depth, with data on operational expenses and ROI and other customized searches. Considering the ongoing technological progress and the increasing volume of data collected, the structure of these data systems becomes increasingly complex and accurate.

Where do investors and analysts turn to for trusted information about the U.S. multifamily real estate market? We’ve compiled a list of seven multifamily market data resources.

1.    Yardi Matrix

Yardi Matrix is a web-based third-party research organization providing subscribers with an in-depth research function. Its research capabilities are bolstered by its proprietary technology and data analytics tool, covering 179 multifamily markets across the U.S. and specializing in properties with at least 50 units. In addition to multifamily data and research, Yardi Matrix offers exclusive data on single-family rentals within build-to-rent communities.  

The platform’s extensive quality control measures ensure users receive accurate and updated information on property ownership and occupancy, rental trends, senior loans, sales data, tenant details and lease agreements. One of the standout features of Yardi Matrix is its patented asset rating system, which helps subscribers identify potential investment opportunities by assessing property performance against market benchmarks.

The platform serves various professionals, from brokers and property managers to banks, sponsors and equity sources. Regular reporting on market trends includes national monthly reports, outlooks, quarterly market-level analyses and special bulletins on rents, occupancy, supply and investment updates.

2.    NMHC

The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) is another source of data and insights for the multifamily housing industry. The organization produces reports and surveys on various aspects of the multifamily market, including trends in occupancy, rental rate and demographic shifts.

NMHC organizes an annual renter preferences survey, gathering feedback from residents across numerous markets and exploring evolving renter priorities and preferences. This study offers substantial insight into what residents seek in their communities.

Another research initiative led by the organization is the multifamily market survey, which monitors production conditions and occupancy rates through regular feedback from builders and property managers. This helps understand market dynamics and identify emerging markets and trends that can impact investment strategies.

3.    RentCafe.com

RentCafe.com is an apartment-focused platform, including storage units, that feeds off data provided by sister-company Yardi Matrix. It filters data relevant to the multifamily rental market and transforms it into national and state-level reports.

RentCafe.com takes a nuanced approach with Yardi Matrix data and uses it in monthly apartment market reports and lifestyle stories for its blog. It zooms in on various aspects of the rental market, including apartment types and sizes, and comparisons between renting and owning across different demographics.

The platform publishes a monthly rental activity report, which includes specific apartment rental data from more than 150 cities, such as the number of days apartments remain vacant, occupancy levels and lease renewal percentages. These insights reveal areas with significant rental demand, aiding stakeholders in planning their next move.

4.    Berkadia

Berkadia is a provider of integrated services that encompasses mortgage banking, investment sales and loan servicing. The firm has developed proprietary tools that integrate data streams to deliver insights into economic trends, demographic shifts and property performance in markets across the U.S.

Its data management generates standardized and enriched data sets that drive AI and machine learning algorithms and analytics. Data insights are then fed directly into several tools to enable data-driven decisions and customized user experiences. Berkadia’s research offer includes multifamily market reports and forecasts, both national and local markets, using data reporting on occupancy rates, rental and investment pricing, and supply.

5.    Marcus & Millichap

Marcus & Millichap’s research services division tailored its proprietary technology and data analytics tools to serve the multifamily real estate sector. As a firm with an extensive brokerage network, it specializes in investment sales and financing aspects, offering potential investment strategies through research reports and videos.

The platform features an annual national multifamily investment forecast, which explores trends influencing the multifamily sector, as well as in-depth analyses in 50 markets. The report measures several factors, including rental demand, occupancy rates and supply, and is meant to help investors and stakeholders to make informed decisions. Another notable study is its institutional multifamily market intelligence report, which provides statistics on rent growth, lease renewals and vacancy rates.  

6.    CBRE

CBRE is useful to investors, property managers and stakeholders in the industry. The firm’s research branch has its proprietary technology for data collection methods and market intelligence, which it uses to produce market analysis.

CBRE multifamily research includes national and market reports, outlooks and surveys, working with data on vacancy, absorption, supply and investment volume. Noteworthy research includes its global multifamily investor intentions survey, which reveals insights into factors influencing investment decisions, such as interest rates and market fundamentals.

7.    Colliers

Colliers is another source for multifamily market data, conducting research and offering insight applicable to the multifamily real estate sector. The firm’s research division produces national and market-level multifamily reports, outlooks and quarterly snapshots. The reports are produced in collaboration with brokerage experts, evaluating occupancy levels, and rental and economic growth.

The data is also spread out across the U.S., packed into national and market-level reports. Released on a monthly to an annual basis, these insights examine trends and forecast future performance in the multifamily sector.