RealSource Properties Updates

Rent vs Own: The Growing Appeal of Multifamily Investments in an Era of Unaffordable Homes

Written by Matt Bullock | 4/21/24 8:26 PM

In today's American real estate market, the significant affordability gap between homeownership and renting underscores the strategic importance of multifamily investments.

A recent report by Realtor.com highlights that in all 50 major metropolitan areas, renting has become more economical than buying. This shift is driven by rising mortgage rates and escalating home prices, emphasizing the need for viable housing alternatives.

Surging Rental Demand Amid Home Buying Challenges

As homeownership drifts out of reach, a growing number of people are turning to renting, significantly boosting demand for rental properties. This surge could ensure high occupancy rates for multifamily properties and also offer investors potential for consistent cash flows and appreciation.

The Affordability Divide in Major Metros

The gap between renting and buying is especially pronounced in several metropolitan areas, revealing both the economic strain on potential homeowners and the broader market implications.

- New York–Newark–Jersey City: Monthly home ownership costs an average of $4,995, whereas renting costs significantly less at $2,852.
- Austin–Round Rock–Georgetown: Renters pay just $1,530 monthly, far below the $3,695 needed to buy a home.
- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue and Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler: The cost advantage for renters is substantial, with savings of $2,422 and $1,528 per month, respectively.

Mike Madsen, Vice President of Acquisitions and Economics for RealSource Properties, commented, “A broader trend could be emerging where multifamily investments may thrive due to persistent demand driven by affordability challenges."

Strategic Value of Multifamily Investments

Multifamily properties are increasingly recognized as pivotal components of real estate portfolios, providing diversification and steady income streams due to ongoing rental demand.

Mark Hanks, Chief Operating Officer at RealSource Properties, underscores how this could benefit households and multifamily owners alike. "By providing economically viable living options, careful investments can help bridge the affordability gap while offering the potential for favorable returns."

A Key Solution in the Housing Affordability Puzzle

The growing appeal of multifamily investments is evident as they address both investor needs for sound financial returns and community needs for affordable housing. Focusing on multifamily properties as part of a larger solution can help mitigate the challenges posed by the current housing market, making them essential for future economic stability and housing accessibility.

Real Estate Risk Disclosure

•    There is no guarantee that any strategy will be successful or achieve investment objectives including, among other things, profits, distributions, tax benefits, exit strategy, etc.; 
•    Potential for property value loss – All real estate investments have the potential to lose value during the life of the investments; 
•    Change of tax status – The income stream and depreciation schedule for any investment property may affect the property owner’s income bracket and/or tax status. An unfavorable tax ruling may cancel deferral of capital gains and result in immediate tax liabilities; 
•    Potential for foreclosure – All financed real estate investments have potential for foreclosure; 
•    Illiquidity – These assets are commonly offered through private placement offerings and are illiquid securities. There is no secondary market for these investments. 
•    Reduction or Elimination of Monthly Cash Flow Distributions – Like any investment in real estate, if a property unexpectedly loses tenants or sustains substantial damage, there is potential for suspension of cash flow distributions; 
•    Impact of fees/expenses – Costs associated with the transaction may impact investors’ returns and may outweigh the tax benefits
•    Stated tax benefits – Any stated tax benefits are not guaranteed and are subject to changes in the tax code. Speak to your tax professional prior to investing.

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Important Disclosure

The contents of this communication: (i) do not constitute an offer of securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, (ii) offers can be made only by the confidential Private Placement Memorandum (the “PPM”) which is available upon request, (iii) do not and cannot replace the PPM and is qualified in its entirety by the PPM, and (iv) may not be relied upon in making an investment decision related to any investment offering by the issuer, or any affiliate, or partner thereof ("Issuer"). All potential investors must read the PPM and no person may invest without acknowledging receipt and complete review of the PPM.  With respect to any “targeted” goals and performance levels outlined herein, these do not constitute a promise of performance, nor is there any assurance that the investment objectives of any program will be attained. All investments carry the risk of loss of some or all of the principal invested. These “targeted” factors are based upon reasonable assumptions more fully outlined in the Offering Documents/ PPM for the respective offering. Consult the PPM for investment conditions, risk factors, minimum requirements, fees and expenses and other pertinent information with respect to any investment. These investment opportunities have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are being offered pursuant to an exemption therefrom and from applicable state securities laws. All offerings are intended only for accredited investors unless otherwise specified. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All information is subject to change. You should always consult a tax professional prior to investing. Investment offerings and investment decisions may only be made on the basis of a confidential private placement memorandum issued by Issuer, or one of its partner/issuers. Issuer does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Thank you for your cooperation.

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