EP#79 Sam Tenenbaum | Q2'26 Multifamily Update: A Ho-Hum Start To The Leasing Season

Did the U.S. apartment sector see a March bounce for the start to leasing season? Rental housing economist Jay Parsons breaks down newly released data on apartment supply, demand and rents — and paints a picture of a market that is recovering, but at a plodding pace. For apartment investors and operators, the good news is that the chief headwind (supply) is largely in the rearview mirror. But the payoff has been anything but quick. There's still a supply overhang from 2023-25 to work through. Jay also shares the latest data on demand, and explores whether AI and soft job growth has impacted apartment absorption. Additionally, Jay welcomes in Cushman & Wakefield's multifamily research head, Sam Tenenbaum, for an extended conversation on the state of multifamily fundamentals and capital markets. Sam shares his take on the state of the apartment market across the U.S. Also, Jay shares his take on the latest headlines impacting apartments and single-family rentals — including another big platform sale plus the passing of one of multifamily's biggest names.