Multifamily

The Midwest especially should benefit from the focus on secondary and tertiary markets.

“Center City is coming off a record year in total construction completions in the downtown market, with 1,624 new units delivered in 2016, and absorption was strong in 2017,” says Jared Jacobs, Cushman & Wakefield's research manager.

With more major diversified financial institutions appearing to be taking ownership stakes in debt funds, mortgage-banking firms and technology platforms, the waters are growing murkier for those that have been in this space for some time, panelists at MBA CREF tell attendees.

Bridgecourt is one of the first apartment communities after crossing the Bay Bridge into Emeryville, which makes it a viable option for professionals and families priced out of San Francisco's rental market.

Houston's suburban areas such as the Katy/Cinco Ranch/Waterside submarket will continue to attract investors with absorption rates that outpace new multifamily units and office tenants with easy commutes.

However, chief economist Doug Duncan cites “upside and downside risks,” including the pace of the Federal Reserve's interest rate increases this year.

Strong fundamentals, coupled with a supply/demand imbalance and rising interest rates, paint a rosy picture of the apartment sector for lenders, speakers at the MBA CREF/Multifamily conference tell attendees.

Hint: Technology has something to do with it.