This week, the rental market showed signs of cooling as national rent growth nearly flatlined in July. In response to market conditions, many landlords are shifting their focus from acquiring new properties to upgrading their current portfolios. Despite the slowdown, the multifamily sector continues to show strong fundamentals with record absorption rates.
This Week’s Top Stories
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National Rent Growth Hits a Standstill
A new report shows that national median rent growth was nearly flat in July, rising just 0.03% to $1,402. While this is the sixth straight month of increases, the rate of growth has slowed considerably during the peak moving season. Year-over-year rent growth remains negative, and the national vacancy rate has climbed to a new high of 7.1%.
Published: July 30, 2025
https://yieldpro.com/2025/07/national-median-rent-nearly-unchanged-in-july/ -
New Housing Supply Curbs Rent Hikes for Affordable Units
Recent analysis indicates that building more housing is effective at slowing rent growth, especially for older, more affordable units. According to the study, every 10% increase in a metropolitan area’s housing supply was correlated with rents growing 5% less. This helps reduce competition and eases financial pressure on tenants in lower-income communities.
Published: July 31, 2025
New Housing Slows Rent Growth Most for Older, More Affordable Units | The Pew Charitable Trusts -
Luxury High-Rise Development Kicks Off in Miami
Signaling continued confidence in the high-end rental market, Ram Realty Advisors and Pinnacle have begun construction on a 16-story, 334-unit luxury apartment building in Aventura, Florida. The development is transit-oriented and will feature a host of premium amenities, including a spa, golf simulator, and a pickleball court. Preleasing is expected to begin in early 2027.
Published: August 4, 2025
https://www.multihousingnews.com/ram-realty-pinnacle-launch-luxury-miami-high-rise/
Tools & Tips
- The big talk this year is about AI integration. Platforms like Entrata and RealPage are rolling out new AI suites to automate everything from writing marketing copy to predicting maintenance needs. If you’re looking to upgrade your tech stack, checking out how these AI tools can free up your team for higher-value work is a must.
- For those who feel locked in by their current software, Rentvine is making waves with its “open API” approach. This lets you build a custom tech suite with best-in-class integrations, rather than being stuck with a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a great option for managers who want more control over their data and tools.
Fun Fact
Long before Amazon, you could order an entire house from a catalog. From 1908 to 1940, Sears, Roebuck & Co. sold over 70,000 mail-order home kits, complete with pre-cut lumber, nails, and fixtures, all shipped by railroad. Many of these “Sears Homes” are still standing today and are prized for their unique history and craftsmanship.
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you started investing in property upgrades or are you navigating new state laws? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.