WHAT WE'RE WATCHING | AUGUST 2026

Three Market Developments
That Matter to Real Estate Investors

A practical look at the financing, supply, and credit conditions shaping real estate decisions and the questions investors should be asking.

6MIN READ

UPDATED: AUGUST 2026

FFI RESEARCH & EDUCATION

THE BRIEF

Financing structure remains central to underwriting.

THE BRIEF

Slowing multifamily construction could support selected markets over time.

THE BRIEF

Uneven lending conditions make leverage and risk management especially important.

THE LARGER POINT

The current environment does not support broad conclusions. It rewards selectivity, realistic assumptions, and disciplined structure.

01

Interest Rates Remain an Important Part of the Investment Equation

As of June 2026, market-implied 10 year Treasury yields remain near the upper end of the 3.5% to 4.25% range. The Federal Reserve has held the federal funds rate steady in the 4.25%-4.50% range while monitoring inflation, labor trends, and overall economic growth

WHY IT MATTERS

Higher rates affect acquisition pricing, refinancing capacity, and investor returns. Even small changes in the rate environment can materially impact cash flow and exit assumptions.

INVESTOR TAKEAWAY

Stress-test deals using higher interest rate assumptions and conservative exit cap rates. Favor floating or shorter-duration debt when appropriate and maintain liquidity to navigate volatility,

INVESTOR CONSIDERATIONS

02

New Multifamily Construction Is Slowing

U.S. Census Bureau data show multifamily starts (5+ units) have declined meaningfully from the 2022 peak. Many markets are now seeing a more measured pace of new supply coming online.

WHY IT MATTERS

Slower supply growth may benefit selected markets by reducing future competition and supporting occupancy and rent stability over time.

INVESTOR TAKEAWAY

Focus on markets with favorable demand-supply balance, employment trends, and limited new construction pipelines. Asset-level execution remains critical.

POTENTIALLY CONSTRUCTIVE

POTENTIAL WARNING SIGNS

03

Real Estate Credit Requires Continued Discipline

Lenders continue to emphasize risk management and underwriting discipline. Access to credit varies widely by property type, sponsor strength, and deal structure. Traditional banks remain cautious, while alternative lenders focus on downside protection

WHY IT MATTERS

Financing terms, leverage, and availability directly affect deal feasibility and returns. Conservative structure and strong sponsorship remain key differentiators.

INVESTOR TAKEAWAY

Partner with experienced operators, maintain conservative leverage, and align with lenders and capital partners who prioritize long-term risk management.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE CHECKLIST

Amount & type of financing

Fixed vs. variable rate

Debt-service coverage

Maturity date

Extension options

Refinancing assumptions

Operating breakevens

Payment priority

INVESTOR CONSIDERATIONS

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE EVALUATING A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TODAY

Use our practical checklist to help evaluate financing, property fundamentals, and downside scenarios before you invest.

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This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities or investments. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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