2026 Multifamily Investment Outlook | CoStar Webinars

Understanding the precise Multifamily Investment Outlook is essential for thriving in today’s dynamic commercial real estate market. As a multifamily owner, navigating this landscape requires more than just gut instinct—it demands hard, actionable data. Whether you are holding strong in the Chicago market or managing a national portfolio, knowing where demand is heading, how cap rates are shifting, and what capital markets are doing is crucial to maximizing your asset's long-term value.

1. Elevating Your 2026 Multifamily Investment Outlook
   1. 1. US National Multifamily Outlook
   2. 2. US National Capital Markets Outlook
2. Applying These Insights to the Chicago Market

That is why I am thrilled to share an incredible resource with you. As a multi-family investment sales broker with eXp Commercial, I pride myself on partnering with the best data providers in the industry to give my clients an edge. CoStar, our premier national data partner, is hosting two highly anticipated "State of the Market" webinars this May. These events are specifically designed to give you the exact Multifamily Investment Outlook you need to make profitable, data-backed decisions for the remainder of the year.

Elevating Your 2026 Multifamily Investment Outlook

If you want to understand the macro trends impacting your micro-level property performance, mark your calendar for these two free, expert-led sessions. Attending these will directly enhance your personal Multifamily Investment Outlook.

1. US National Multifamily Outlook

Understanding demand patterns, construction pipelines, and regional rent growth is essential for underwriting and operational strategy.

• Date & Time: Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 PM EST



• Presenter: Grant Montgomery, National Director of Multifamily Analytics at CoStar



• What You Will Learn:
  • Demand and Absorption Trends: Discover the leading markets and shifting demand patterns.
  
  
  
  • New Supply Delivery: Get the latest updates on the construction pipeline and delivery shifts.
  
  
  
  • Vacancy Trends: Understand regional disparities and quality-class differences.
  
  
  
  • Rent Growth: Gain a clear outlook on market trends and pricing power.
  
  
  
  • Capital Markets: Review current multifamily investment conditions.
  
  
  
  

Register for the Multifamily Outlook Here

2. US National Capital Markets Outlook

Interest rates and market volatility are the top concerns for investors right now. This session will break down the economic backdrop dictating commercial real estate liquidity and asset values so you can adjust your Multifamily Investment Outlook accordingly.

• Date & Time: Thursday, May 14 at 1:00 PM EST



• Presenter: Chad Littell, National Director of US Capital Markets Analytics at CoStar



• What You Will Learn:
  • Economic Backdrop: Monitoring market volatility and what it means for your portfolio.
  
  
  
  • Key Metrics to Watch: A deep dive into interest rates and financing environments.
  
  
  
  • Sales Volume: Analyzing our second year of double-digit growth.
  
  
  
  • Cap Rates: Why we are seeing "more of the same" in the near term.
  
  
  
  • Asset Values: Exploring price stability versus market inflections.
  
  
  
  

Register for the Capital Markets Outlook Here

Applying These Insights to the Chicago Market

National data is incredibly valuable, but it is the local application that truly generates wealth. As an expert in the Chicago market, I help owners translate these broad national trends into actionable local strategies. If CoStar’s data shows a stabilization in cap rates or shifts in regional vacancy, you need to know exactly how that impacts your specific building's equity and cash flow.

Whether you attend the webinars or not, taking a proactive approach to your portfolio is non-negotiable in this economic climate. I specialize in helping owners navigate complex market conditions by utilizing a highly localized Multifamily Investment Outlook.

Reach out to me today if you need assistance with:

• Operations & Yield Optimization: Are your rents keeping pace with the market trends highlighted by CoStar?



• Valuation & BOVs (Broker Opinion of Value): Discover exactly what your property is worth in today's capital markets.



• Strategic Disposition: Timing the market for a profitable exit.



• 1031 Exchange Reinvestment: Successfully moving your equity from a management-intensive property into a high-yield, passive investment.

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Portfolio
Don't leave your investment strategy to chance. Leverage the power of eXp Commercial, the premier data from CoStar, and local market expertise to maximize your multifamily returns this year.

https://creconsult.net/multifamily-investment-outlook-costar/?fsp_sid=2480

Bypass years of entitlement risk and heavy horizontal groundwork.

Fairway Lakes Estates offers a massive head start in one of Will County's most desirable luxury submarkets. Because the heavy lifting is already underway—with rough grading and paved internal roadways in place—developers can significantly accelerate their path to vertical construction.

With the newly approved $20B Joliet Technology Center poised to drive regional executive housing demand, this 77-acre, 60-lot master plan is perfectly positioned for builders looking to capture high-end homebuyer demand in the Frankfort 60423 zip code.

Review the Offering Memorandum, site surveys, and full details here:
https://creconsult.net/property/fairway-lakes-estates-77-38-acres-residential-development-frankfort-il/

Message me directly to discuss how this asset fits into your acquisition pipeline, or to schedule a private site walkthrough.

#LandAcquisition #RealEstateDevelopment #HomeBuilders #FrankfortIL #ChicagoCRE #CommercialRealEstate #WillCounty #ResidentialDevelopment #eXpCommercial

Chicago Multifamily Disposition Strategy: 2 Proven Ways to Avoid Taxes

If you have owned a multifamily property in the Chicago area for any significant amount of time, you likely face a common dilemma: you are tired of the day-to-day grind of property management, but you are terrified of the tax bill that comes with selling. For many aging owners looking toward retirement and estate planning, mastering a Chicago multifamily disposition strategy is the ultimate key to cashing out without losing your hard-earned equity.

Table of Contents

1. The Foundation of a Chicago Multifamily Disposition Strategy: The 1031 Exchange
2. Option 1: The Delaware Statutory Trust (DST)
3. Option 2: Absolute Triple-Net (NNN) Leases
4. Assemble the Right Team for Your Chicago Multifamily Disposition Strategy

Between federal capital gains, state taxes, and depreciation recapture, owners can face a tax exposure upwards of 40% to 43% of their net proceeds. That is a massive hit to your legacy.

Fortunately, selling your apartment building does not have to mean surrendering half of your wealth to the government. With a proven Chicago multifamily disposition strategy, you can defer your capital gains taxes, preserve your principal, and transition your equity into passive, institutional-grade "mailbox money."

Here is a look at how local apartment owners are successfully navigating their exits.

The Foundation of a Chicago Multifamily Disposition Strategy: The 1031 Exchange

A 1031 Exchange allows you to roll the proceeds from the sale of your multifamily property into a new "like-kind" investment property, completely deferring your capital gains tax under current IRS guidelines (Note: this is your authoritative outbound link).

However, many owners do not want to trade one set of toilets, tenants, and trash for another. If your goal is stability, passive income, and risk aversion, here are the two primary paths you should consider for your Chicago multifamily disposition strategy.

Option 1: The Delaware Statutory Trust (DST)

Note: We are discussing the Delaware Statutory Trust, which is an IRS-approved 1031 replacement property, not to be confused with a Deferred Sales Trust.

A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) allows you to purchase fractional ownership in large, institutional-grade properties—such as a $100 million portfolio of data centers, student housing, or medical facilities.

The Pros of a DST:

• 100% Passive: You have zero management responsibilities.



• Built-in Debt: To satisfy the IRS, you must replace the debt from your old property. DSTs come with pre-packaged, non-recourse debt. You do not have to personally qualify for or sign a new mortgage.



• Institutional Quality: You gain access to high-tier assets managed by top-tier sponsors.



• Tax Benefits: Because the IRS views a DST as direct real estate ownership, you get to carry over your tax basis and continue claiming depreciation to shelter your passive income.

The Cons of a DST:

• Illiquidity: Your money is locked in for the hold period of the fund (typically 5 to 10 years). You have no control over when the asset is sold.



• Moderate Yields: Because these are highly stable, premium assets, cash-on-cash returns generally hover in the 4.5% to 5.5% range.

Option 2: Absolute Triple-Net (NNN) Leases

If you dislike the fractional ownership model of a DST, the next best option for your Chicago multifamily disposition strategy is an Absolute Triple-Net (NNN) Lease. This involves buying a single-tenant commercial property (like a corporate-backed CVS, Dollar General, or fast-food chain). The corporate tenant pays for all taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

The Pros of a NNN Lease:

• Total Control: You own the building outright and control when to sell.



• Management-Free: The tenant is responsible for the roof, parking lot, and everything in between.

The Cons of a NNN Lease:

• Personal Debt Liability: To replace your existing debt for the 1031 exchange, you must personally qualify for and sign a new commercial mortgage.



• Concentration Risk: If your single tenant vacates or files for bankruptcy, your building is 100% vacant, but your mortgage payment is still due.



• Negative Leverage: With today's commercial interest rates, your amortizing loan payment will take a substantial bite out of your monthly cash flow, often bringing your actual cash-on-cash return lower than a DST.

Assemble the Right Team for Your Chicago Multifamily Disposition Strategy

At CREConsult, brokered by eXp Commercial, we know that successfully selling a Chicago apartment building is not just about negotiating the highest price—it is about protecting what you keep. We are not just "one-and-done" transactional brokers. We understand that your property sale is a critical component of your overall estate planning and wealth preservation.

Executing a flawless Chicago multifamily disposition strategy requires you to assemble the exact team you need for a seamless transition:

1. An Expert Broker to maximize your sale price and negotiate the best terms.



2. A Qualified Intermediary (QI) to legally hold your funds and maintain your tax-deferred status.



3. A Securities-Licensed Financial Planner (RIA) to facilitate your entry into institutional DST funds.

If you are considering selling but feel trapped by the looming tax bill, let's talk.

Contact us today for a complimentary valuation of your property and a confidential discussion about your exit options.

https://creconsult.net/chicago-multifamily-disposition-strategy/?fsp_sid=2368

High-Yield Office Opportunity | Winfield, IL

Priced at just $104/SF, 1N131 County Farm Rd offers a unique investment profile anchored by the modern Regus flexible office platform.

Key Highlights:
Active Yield: Ownership participates directly in Regus platform NOI.
High Momentum: reached ±75% occupancy with 100+ inquiries since early 2025.
Significant Upside: Includes ±4,600 SF of near-term lease-up potential.

Stabilization: Clear trajectory to a 15%+ Pro Forma CAP rate.

Location: Signalized corner steps from Northwestern Medicine CDH.

Asking Price: $1,450,000

Full Details & Financials: https://creconsult.net/property/1n131-county-farm-rd-13900-sf-office-winfield-il/

#CRE #InvestmentRealEstate #WinfieldIL #CCIM #eXpCommercial

100% Leased Street Retail | Chicago, IL

4,000 SF | $975,000
5.55% Cap | 8.36% Pro Forma

• Six storefronts
• In-place rents ~$20/SF (market ~$28/SF)
• 21,000+ VPD on Montrose
• 3.1% submarket vacancy

Stabilized income today with upside through rent growth and MTM rollover.

Full details: https://creconsult.net/property/3217-3229-west-montrose-avenue-chicago-7-unit-retail/

#CRE #RetailInvestment #ChicagoRealEstate #ValueAdd #InvestmentProperty

Freestanding Office Building | Joliet, IL

9,410 SF | $1,100,000 ($117/SF)

• Delivered vacant (former owner-occupied)
• Fully finished lower level
• Near Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center
• Zoned B-1 (office/medical/nonprofit)

Turn-key suburban office opportunity ideal for an owner-user or investor.

Full details: https://creconsult.net/property/2439-glenwood-ave-9410-sf-office-joliet-il/

#CRE #OfficeInvestment #OwnerUser #IllinoisRealEstate

Freestanding Office Building | Joliet, IL

10,311 SF | $1,295,000 ($126/SF)

• Move-in ready (recently renovated)
• Fully finished lower level
• Near Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center
• Zoned B-1 (office/medical/nonprofit)

Turn-key suburban office opportunity ideal for an owner-user or investor.

Full details: https://creconsult.net/property/2435-glenwood-ave-10311-sf-office-joliet-il/

#CRE #OfficeInvestment #OwnerUser #IllinoisRealEstate