COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE'S ECONOMIC ADVISORS

Apartment prices show early signs of stabilization as rent collections continue to improve, pointing to a more constructive backdrop for rental housing.

On-time rent payments rose again in March 2026, extending the recovery from late-2025 lows, though late-payment pressure remains elevated and new macro risks are emerging.

Multifamily rent growth remains near flat as the market operates in a low-growth environment. This week’s briefing also highlights key takeaways from Arbor’s Q1 2026 SFR report and upcoming data releases.

National rents rose 1.2% year-over-year in February, down from 1.4% in January and 1.6% in December, marking a continued slowdown from the modest re-acceleration observed in late 2024. While rent growth remains positive, the trend has clearly softened, reflecting ongoing supply pressures and a normalization in demand following the post-pandemic surge.