One of the metrics that multifamily investors follow with great interest is data pertaining to occupancy.  Emerging market multifamily investors are particularly interested in markets with lower occupancies – we’ll be discussing those markets tomorrow. 

There is no question that the single family housing debacle and the current credit crisis have driven multifamily occupancies over the past one and half to two years. 

Markets with high occupancy figures such as listed below typically drive permitting and construction of additional new multifamily units.  Even in today’s tight economy, some of these markets are currently experiencing increased permitting with units to be constructed soon. 

Here are the top markets in our database as of today in terms of multifamily occupancy rates.  Actually it should be noted that 18 markets in our database have occupancies currently at 98% or higher. 

1.  Coeur d’Alene, ID  99%
2.  Boulder, CO   99%
3.  Flagstaff, AZ  98%
4.  Lafayette, LA  98%
5.  Cheyenne, WY  98%

Database Average:  94.8%
Database Median:  94.9%

Tomorrow we’ll take a look at the markets around the country with the lowest multifamily occupancy rates. 

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