Intelligent Investment

Unlocking Opportunities: Multifamily Investment Perspectives

December 17, 2025 5 Minute Watch

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Kelli Carhart, President and Head of Multifamily Capital Markets at CBRE, shares insights on current investment trends and market dynamics. She discusses transaction activity amid shifting renter demand, expectations for cap rates, evolving underwriting assumptions and the anticipated return of core capital to the market.

Summary

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  • Transaction Volume Outlook 
    Despite a recent slowdown in demand and rental growth, transaction activity continues. Some sellers are accelerating timelines to take advantage of current market conditions.
  • Cap Rate Stability 
    Year-to-date cap rates have been stable, and this trend should continue in 2026. While slower rent growth could pressure near-term NOI, capital coming off the sidelines could keep cap rates largely steady.
  • Underwriting Assumptions 
    Buyers are underwriting rent growth at 3–3.5% over a typical five-year hold, with exit cap rates generally flat or up 25 basis points. Competitive offers often come from private buyers focused on quality real estate and opportunities to purchase at a discount to replacement costs.
  • Core Capital Return 
    Core capital is expected to return in 2026, supported by improved fund performance and lower redemption queues. However, challenges remain, limiting how aggressively core investors will participate for now.

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    October 22, 2025 3 Minute Read

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    Buyer sentiment for core and value-add multifamily assets improved in Q3, while underwriting assumptions mostly held steady, according to CBRE’s Q3 Multifamily ...

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