NEW YORK — The Federal Reserve Bank of New York today released a case study focused on private investment vehicles in multifamily affordable rental housing. The case study, based on a survey of managers of private investment vehicles in multifamily affordable housing, found most respondents anticipate raising more equity in the next 12 to 24 months than they did in a roughly five-year period ending in August 2022. Respondents also said they plan to more than quintuple their investment in new construction projects in the next 12 to 24 months. Additionally, respondents with majority bank investors reported financing housing for lower-income households than those with majority nonbank investors.
The case study is based on a nonrepresentative survey of 15 investment managers. Respondents have raised a median $300 million in equity for affordable-housing private investment vehicles since 2017 and have invested a median $169 million in affordable housing during the same period. Managers surveyed have a median 5,619 affordable housing units in their portfolios, most of which have tenant-income restrictions.
Most properties the respondents have invested in serve households earning between 50 percent and 80 percent of area median income. Of the remaining properties in their portfolios, respondents are more likely to own and manage properties serving households earning between 80 percent and 120 percent of area median income than very-low-income households. In comparison, properties financed using Low-Income Housing Tax Credits most often serve households whose earnings are lower─60 percent of area median income or below.
The case study also found:
- Respondents with more than half of committed capital from banks invest in affordable units predominantly serving households earning 60 percent or less of area median income. Investment vehicles with mostly non-bank investors serve households with incomes above 60 percent of area median income.
- Most respondents said they anticipate raising more equity in the next 12 to 24 months than they have since 2017.
- Investment managers said they expect to increase their spending on new construction projects by more than five times in the next 12 to 24 months, saying the median investment in new construction will increase from a $27 million currently to $150 million. The median planned investment for preservation also increased, rising from the current $227 million to a projected $450 million.
- Investment managers are moving toward new strategies, which include lowering building costs through public subsidies for incorporating solar and other sustainable technologies and working with nonprofit corporations sponsored by government entities.
"Demand for affordable housing continues to outstrip supply, which is one reason why more study is needed on the impact private investment is having on both the supply of affordable units and the rents charged for them," said Jonathan Kivell, director of community investments at the New York Fed. "Today's report will give us the opportunity to continue engaging with stakeholders in this important area."
On March 27, 2023, the New York Fed will host a related in-person event, "Private Capital Investment in Multifamily Affordable Housing." Details, including registration information, are available on the event page.
The case study, based on survey responses collected between April and August of 2022, was developed as part of the New York Fed's Community Development efforts, which have three areas of focus: health, household financial well-being, and climate risk.
