Market Trends

A construction wave was supposed to test the downtown market this year, with competition from 4,400 new apartments—an annual record—hampering landlords’ ability to keep hiking rents and possibly even pushing rents down. Overbuilding often ends real estate booms, and the risk of that happening in Chicago seemed to be growing at the end of last year.

In the current cycle, property fundamentals are strong enough to withstand a shock to the system. Even if there is an economic downturn in the near future, the apartment sector is likely to hold up, according to industry experts.

Rising interest rates, a possible slowdown in new construction likely to keep apartment occupancies stable and rents growing.

Marcus & Millichap forecasts new apartment development will reach a cyclical high this year, with about 9,500 completions in the metro area. The city will receive more than half of the new rentals. Developers finished about 9,200 units last year.

Investors should be keen on apartment assets due to strong fundamentals, opportunities for both buyers and sellers, and an abundance of capital

Fully occupied 24-unit multifamily complex in Aurora, Illinois offering a generous Cap Rate, Cash-on-Cash rate of return and higher than average upside in rental income based on amenities and location.