EQR · News · 20260805N

Market Demand Trends

EQUITY RESIDENTIAL · 2026-08-05 · Importance 20 · Surprise 24

Multifamily REIT executives reported stronger renter demand and rising absorption, while moderating new supply is improving apartment-market conditions. The national apartment vacancy rate declined to 8.2% in the second quarter of 2026, with absorption exceeding new deliveries by more than 45,000 units. Regional performance remained mixed, with the South and Mountain regions still facing variation, while high-supply markets including Austin and Raleigh showed improvement as construction activity slowed. The recovery is being supported by job growth, household formation and easing supply pressure.

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