Forecast Reports
Apartment Update®
National Report Card
Berkadia is proud to announce the release of our 2026 Forecast, including our national report and over 60 market reports from coast to coast.
In a dynamic financial environment filled with opportunities, Berkadia’s national and market forecasts provide essential narratives and apartment trends to help you navigate the year ahead.
Key National Themes:
Occupancy
At 95.0% in the fourth quarter of 2026, the projected occupancy rate will remain higher than the average occupancy of 94.6% during the prior growth cycle from 2010 to 2019.
Leasing Activity
Renting remains a more viable option than homeownership for many as vigorous leasing activity is expected this year.
Monthly Effective Rent
Healthy occupancy will contribute to sustained rent growth as monthly effective rent is forecast to rise 2.4% this year, following 2.5% increase in 2025.
Construction
The apartment pipeline continues to taper since peaking in 2024, with approximately 323,000 units scheduled to begin lease-up by year-end.