INDUSTRY TOPICS AND INTEREST PIECES

Over the past several years, commercial real estate investors have experienced one of the most significant shifts in market dynamics in recent history. Apartment fundamentals have remained relatively resilient, with occupancy holding steady in many markets and rents continuing to grow, albeit at a slower pace. Yet despite these healthy operating metrics, multifamily property values have declined by 5% to 17% year over year over the past several quarters, depending on the peri

Inflation remains one of the most closely watched economic indicators in commercial real estate, influencing everything from interest rates and financing costs to renter affordability and property performance. In May, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 4.2% year-over-year, marking its highest reading since early 2023. Much of the increase was driven by rising energy prices, which have put upward pressure on transportation, utility, and operating costs across the economy

The multifamily market is beginning to show early signs of stabilization after several years of elevated supply and operational pressure, but the reality at the asset level remains more nuanced. While headline metrics suggest improvement, day to day performance continues to reflect a market that has not yet fully recovered. The most meaningful shift is occurring on the supply side, where new apartment deliveries declined approximately 30% in Q1 2026 and units under constructi

The U.S. housing market continues to shift in a way that increasingly favors renting over ownership, particularly among younger cohorts. Homeownership rates for 25–34 year olds remain well below pre-2008 levels and have started to flatten again as affordability pressures persist. This dynamic is directly tied to what we are seeing on the ground. As young adults delay homeownership, they remain in the renter pool longer, extending demand duration for multifamily housing. Renti

Commercial real estate investment activity in Des Moines regained momentum in 2025 as buyers and sellers began to find pricing alignment after nearly two years of capital markets disruption. Transaction activity accelerated meaningfully during the year, with nearly $735 million in commercial real estate sales recorded through the first nine months alone, representing roughly 60% growth year over year and significantly exceeding pre-pandemic averages. The improvement reflects

Freddie Mac closed 2025 with a notable increase in multifamily lending activity, reinforcing its role as a stabilizing source of capital in the U.S. rental housing market. Total multifamily production reached $77 billion, a 17% increase year-over-year, as lending volumes recovered and financing conditions improved across the sector. A defining feature of the year was Freddie Mac’s continued emphasis on affordable housing. Sixty-six percent of total production qualified as mis

Recent national rental data underscores why the Midwest continues to stand out as one of the most compelling multifamily markets in the country. According to RentCafe’s 2025 rental competitiveness rankings, the Midwest earned a score of 80.3, placing it among the most competitive regions nationally, effectively tied with the Northeast and ahead of major coastal and Sun Belt markets. This result speaks directly to the strength of the region’s rental fundamentals. Competitivene

The multifamily market has entered a new equilibrium—one defined less by expansion and more by precision. Elevated interest rates and shifting capital markets have changed the math behind every acquisition, but for disciplined operators and investors, this new phase offers opportunity rather than obstruction. Cap rates in Des Moines have adjusted to reflect these conditions. Recent data shows luxury and core assets trading around 5.2%, while value-add opportunities have widen

After years of record-breaking construction, the multifamily market is entering a turning point that should excite rather than alarm investors. 2025 will deliver one of the largest waves of new apartments in history, but it also marks the beginning of a rebalancing that sets the stage for stronger performance ahead. With development starts plummeting and national demand holding firm, the sector is moving toward its next period of sustained rent growth and value creation. Real

The Federal Reserve’s recent 25-basis-point rate cut marks the first step toward monetary easing after one of the most aggressive...

As we move deeper into 2025, interest rates remain one of the most powerful forces shaping real estate investment decisions. After a...

As we move through the second half of 2025, the Des Moines multifamily market is beginning to show signs of stabilization. Following two...

Congress is advancing a new tax bill that, if passed, would mark a meaningful win for commercial real estate. While the Senate has yet to...

After a decade of aggressive capital deployment and low interest rates, the commercial real estate landscape has fundamentally shifted....

While high-interest rates and economic uncertainty have prompted many investors to reassess their portfolios, one trend has remained...

The recent volatility in the stock market, macroeconomic uncertainty, and political concerns have left many investors searching for ways...

For real estate investors looking to build long-term wealth and maximize returns, the 1031 exchange is one of the most powerful tools...

In the world of multifamily real estate, cost segregation is a game-changer for investors. This strategy accelerates depreciation on...

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the opportunities and challenges ahead. We’re optimistic about 2025 and are...

At Hammer and Hampel, we’re always on the lookout for opportunities that maximize returns for our investors. One such opportunity that...