Tag Archives: AffordableHousing

Class B Multifamily

Workforce Housing’s Moment: Why Class B Multifamily Is the Smartest Bet in Today’s Market

by: Jiho Kim

Affordable rental housing is facing a supply crisis and for commercial real estate investors paying attention, Class B workforce housing may be the most resilient and underappreciated opportunity in today’s market. While capital keeps chasing Class A luxury products and ground-up development grabs the headlines, the fundamentals quietly stacking up in the workforce housing tier tell a very different story.

Renters Are Stuck and That’s Not Changing Soon

The math on homeownership has simply stopped working for a wide swath of American households. By Q4 2024, the gap between the median monthly mortgage payment and average effective apartment rent had grown to $1,120, a spread that effectively locks millions of would-be buyers in the rental market indefinitely. It gets worse: purchasing a median-priced starter home now requires a minimum recommended income of roughly $86,000, a threshold many younger households aren’t hitting, and saving for a typical down payment takes the median-income household around seven years.

The result is a durable, captive renter base. Class B properties serve “renters by necessity”, low- to middle-income households that need affordable housing near employment centers with few other viable options. This isn’t a cyclical renter profile. It’s structural.

The Supply Picture Is Even Thinner Than It Looks

Multifamily construction is pulling back broadly. Starts totaled 416,000 units in 2025, down from the 30-year record high of 547,000 set in 2022, with fourth-quarter starts falling 36% year over year. But the more telling detail is where new supply is and isn’t going. In Q3 2025, workforce housing represented just 3% of all multifamily development nationally.

The national housing deficit now stands at an estimated 4.03 million homes, a gap analysts say would take seven years to close even under optimistic construction assumptions. The vacancy data tells the same story. In major metros like Los Angeles, Class B and C vacancy sits at around 3.5%, compared to 5.5% for Class A, showing exactly where real demand lives.

Operational Upside Without the Development Risk

This is where experienced sponsors are finding their edge. Class B occupancies are running in the mid-90% range across many markets, often outpacing Class A, while rent growth has been steady and positive, outperforming luxury products in select metros. The play here isn’t speculative. It’s operational.

Acquiring existing Class B assets at reset pricing lets sponsors underwrite real, in-place cash flows rather than lease-up projections that may never materialize. In the current rate environment, where lenders are scrutinizing pro forma assumptions more carefully than ever, that distinction matters a lot.

Institutional capital is already moving. TruAmerica Multifamily recently closed a $708 million fund with roughly $2 billion in purchasing power, targeting up to 30 Class B properties across 25 major U.S. cities, focused on preserving affordability, not pushing assets upmarket. When funds of that scale are making concentrated bets on workforce housing, it’s worth paying attention.

How Lever Capital Partners Can Help

The opportunity is real but structuring it correctly is what separates a good deal from a great one. At Lever Capital Partners, we work across the full capital stack to evaluate workforce housing opportunities and structure financing that reflects the true risk profile of these assets. Whether that means bridge, agency, or mezzanine financing for a value-add play, we help sponsors find the right solution for where the deal actually is not where they hope it will be.

Our established network of lending partners means sponsors aren’t starting from scratch at execution. If you’re looking at workforce housing and want a capital advisor who understands the nuance, reach out to Lever Capital Partners today.

Multifamily Real Estate Is Changing FAST – Here’s How to Profit in 2025!

by: Adam Horowitz

The multifamily real estate sector in 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. Investors must navigate financial distress, shifting rent trends, and evolving market dynamics. However, those who take a strategic approach can capitalize on emerging opportunities and position themselves for long-term success. This article explores the key factors influencing multifamily investments this year—why to invest, what to consider, where to focus, and when to act.

Partnering for Success in Multifamily Investment

At Lever Capital Partners, we understand the complexities of today’s housing market. As industry leaders in multifamily financing, we provide tailored solutions to help investors, developers, and property owners navigate market fluctuations with confidence. Whether you’re acquiring new properties, developing rental communities, or optimizing your portfolio, our expertise ensures you secure the most competitive financing for long-term growth.

Why Invest in Multifamily in 2025?

The multifamily sector is experiencing significant financial distress, which presents both risks and opportunities. Community banks have reported a 12-year high of $6.1 billion in delinquent loans, while the CMBS multifamily distress rate has climbed to 12.9% as of January 2025. Although acquiring distressed properties at deep discounts is not always straightforward, these conditions indicate a market where well-researched investments can yield strong returns.

Despite short-term volatility, multifamily properties remain a resilient asset class. Rising demand, improving affordability, and strong long-term fundamentals continue to make them attractive to investors.

Key Considerations for Investors

With an increasing supply of multifamily properties hitting the market in 2025, competition is intensifying. This may lead to stagnating rents in some areas, making market selection more critical than ever. Investors must conduct thorough research to identify locations where demand outpaces supply. Additionally, higher interest rates impact borrowing costs and deal structures, making strategic financing essential to maximizing profitability.

Top Markets for Multifamily Investment

Selecting the right markets is crucial for optimizing returns. Some of the most promising cities include:

  • Chicago, IL – Affordable pricing, a diverse economy, and a large population base create long-term stability.
  • San Diego, CA – High rental demand and a limited apartment supply ensure steady market conditions.
  • Columbus, OH – Affordable investment opportunities and ongoing infrastructure improvements enhance its market appeal.
  • Austin, TX – A booming tech economy and rapid population growth continue to drive rental demand.
  • Indianapolis, IN – Strong job growth and an affordable housing market make it an attractive investment choice.
  • Boston, MA – Economic stability is reinforced by key industries in education, healthcare, and technology.
  • Southwest Florida – Rapid population growth fuels sustained rental demand, particularly in key coastal cities.
  • Baltimore, MD – A strategic location and economic diversification create compelling investment opportunities.

When to Invest: Timing the Market for Maximum Returns

Several key indicators suggest that 2025 could be an ideal time for multifamily acquisitions:

  • Continued Demand Despite Increased Supply – While new developments are entering the market, strong demand persists in key areas, supporting rent growth and occupancy rates.
  • Improved Rent Affordability – Rent affordability has increased over the past 18 months, making multifamily housing more accessible to tenants.
  • Stable Employment Rates – With unemployment remaining below 5%, rental income streams are expected to remain steady.
  • Favorable Interest Rate Outlook – The 10-year Treasury yield and federal funds rate are expected to stabilize near 4% by the end of 2026, creating a more predictable financing environment.

Seizing Opportunities in the 2025 Multifamily Market

By staying informed on market conditions, selecting high-growth locations, and strategically timing acquisitions, investors can unlock the full potential of the multifamily sector in 2025.

For those looking to maximize opportunities in this evolving landscape, Lever Capital Partners offers expert guidance and tailored financing solutions to ensure long-term success.

Will Renting Still Be More Favorable Than Buying Across Major Metros by the End of 2025?

by: Kayla Refoua

As housing affordability remains a pressing issue in the U.S., many prospective homeowners are reevaluating whether buying a home is still within reach—or if renting will continue to be the smarter financial choice. With home prices, mortgage rates, and wage growth increasingly out of sync, renting is likely to remain the more viable option for many Americans in major metropolitan areas through the end of 2025.

At Lever Capital Partners, we recognize the challenges and opportunities presented by today’s housing market. As experts in the multifamily sector, we provide tailored financing solutions that empower investors, developers, and property owners to navigate the evolving real estate landscape. Whether you’re acquiring new properties, developing rental communities, or optimizing your investment portfolio, our strategic approach ensures you secure the most competitive financing for long-term success.

Affordability Challenges: Rising Home Prices and Mortgage Rates

The cost of buying a home has climbed beyond what the average household can afford. The median home price now exceeds affordability levels by more than $70,000, making homeownership increasingly difficult. This issue is compounded by:

  • High Mortgage Rates: While interest rates may stabilize or decline in 2025, they are still significantly higher than the ultra-low rates seen in previous years.
  • Housing Supply Shortages: A lack of available homes, particularly starter homes, continues to drive up prices.
  • Rising Construction Costs: Increased material and labor costs make building new homes more expensive, limiting supply expansion.

These factors have led to a significant decline in housing affordability. In 2019, 94% of U.S. counties had homeownership options within reach of median-income households. By 2024, that number had dropped to just 63%. Without a major shift in supply or affordability, many potential buyers will remain priced out of the market.

Renting: A More Practical Choice for Many

While buying a home is often seen as a long-term financial investment, renting continues to offer several advantages in the current economic climate:

  • Lower Upfront Costs: Unlike homeownership, which requires a large down payment and closing costs, renting typically demands a lower financial commitment.
  • Flexibility: Renters have the freedom to relocate without the burden of selling a home, which is especially valuable in uncertain economic times.
  • Less Financial Risk: With rising property taxes, insurance costs, and maintenance expenses, renting can provide more financial predictability.

Even if mortgage rates decline slightly, home prices remain high, making it difficult for many renters to transition into homeownership. As a result, the demand for rental properties—especially in urban centers—will likely remain strong.

How Investors and Lenders Are Responding

The shift toward renting is not going unnoticed by real estate investors and financial institutions:

  • Investors are focusing on multifamily housing as rental demand stays high, particularly in expensive metropolitan areas where homeownership is out of reach for many.
  • Lenders are introducing new mortgage products to attract buyers, anticipating opportunities when affordability improves. However, until housing supply increases, these efforts may have limited impact on shifting renters into homeownership.

By the end of 2025, renting is expected to remain the more favorable option for many individuals, particularly in major metropolitan areas where home prices continue to outpace wage growth. While homeownership will always be a long-term goal for some, economic conditions suggest that renting will still be the more practical and affordable choice for a significant portion of the population.