LIVINGSTON, NJ-Some of the strongest signs of economic recovery in the commercial real estate sector are rooted in multifamily investments, as highlighted by the more than 44 deals recorded by locally based Gebroe-Hammer Associates in 2010 thus far.

“Given the current state of the economy, rental living provides a viable and affordable alternative to people who are concerned about their long-term employment outlook, as well as those who are unable or cannot qualify to buy a home,” managing director Ken Uranowitz tells GlobeSt.com. “This contributes toward a strong tenant pool, which is very attractive to multifamily investors seeking a sound, safe, performing investment.”

Unlike the commercial and retail sectors, apartment buildings are not as “dramatically sensitive to the economic downturn,” adds Uranowitz, “and there is a renewed willingness among lenders to finance these deals. Financial institutions recognize the stability of this type of asset, unlike weakly occupied office, retail and industrial properties during recessionary periods.” He goes on to say that “more banks, including the smaller regionals that were dormant during the boom years, are now actively providing a steady stream of mortgage money to finance multifamily deals.”