An analysis from the Pension Real Estate Association shows affordable multifamily properties deliver competitive, long-term returns with lower volatility and steadier demand. The performance of the affordable asset class highlights its value as a stable component of diversified real estate portfolios.

Research shows more affordable rental properties deliver higher returns without higher risk. Market frictions—not fundamentals—keep capital out, creating persistent alpha for investors focused on affordable rental housing.

A survey of 74 NeighborWorks® nonprofits shows resident services are widely offered but funded through shifting, inconsistent sources. Budgets rely heavily on operating funds, partnerships, and COVID-era flexibility. The report highlights the need for stable, diversified funding and stronger evaluation to sustain resident services for affordable housing residents.  

A study of 26,500 loans links higher utility costs and poor energy efficiency to elevated mortgage default risk. Efficient buildings show more stable NOI and lower financial stress. The findings confirm energy performance is directly tied to loan performance and property resilience.

VantageScore’s analysis shows reporting on-time rent payments makes more previously unscorable renters mortgage-eligible and improves score accuracy. Including rent data enhances risk prediction and expands access without raising default rates, supporting more inclusive underwriting.

Fannie Mae shows how billing models—billback, submetering, and flat fees—shape who benefits from energy and water savings. Using data from 3,000+ Green Rewards properties, the report finds major cost differences by billing type and region, and shows that efficiency gains depend on smart billing design.

This paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research investigates rental yields and price trends across multiple countries and finds that low-rent properties produce systematically higher returns without carrying additional systemic or idiosyncratic risk

The NY Fed reports growing adoption of impact-oriented multifamily strategies focused on affordability, renter stability, and long-term stewardship. Investors increasingly pair financial goals with measurable social outcomes, signaling impact’s shift into mainstream multifamily investing.

This study from the Urban Institute is the first randomized controlled trial of rental-payment reporting. It found that adding positive rent data improves credit visibility and increases credit scores – particularly for renters with thin, limited, or nonexistent credit histories. 

WinnCompanies’ Housing Stability Program provides a structured, proactive model to reduce evictions through resident education, early outreach, payment plans, recertification support, and coordinated rental assistance. By emphasizing upstream intervention and mediation, the program aims to cut evictions by half while improving long-term housing stability for low-income renters.

The NY Federal survey of affordable housing investment managers found a rapidly expanding market for new investors – driven by banks, pensions, insurers, and family offices. Managers in the survey raised $18.4 billion over five years and expect to raise significantly more in the near term, with increasing allocations to both preservation and new development.

Enterprise Community Partners published a whitepaper listing strategies for preventing eviction and promoting housing stability.