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The definition of a market area sets the context and tone of the entire market study. While a somewhat subjective judgment, a market area’s size and density has a profound impact on an analysis in terms of understanding demographic trends, demand estimates and the competitive environment.

Comparable properties are used for several purposes within a market study. They are used to help evaluate the market, they are used to evaluate the subject’s position within a market, and they are used to determine market rents. The more similar the comparable properties are to the proposed property, the more reliable the conclusions that may be drawn. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the concepts involved in selecting comparable properties, and to identify some of the ways comparable properties are used in a study.

A market analysis for income properties, that is that includes rental units, requires an estimate of market rent. Depending on the purpose of the study, it could be an average market rent for all units in a defined market area, a weighted average market rent for all units, or for various unit types, ie., studios, one or two bedrooms, etc.

An estimate of demand is a measure of the number of income-qualified households with the propensity to move to the subject property. Demand estimates can vary significantly based on the components used and the variables applied to measure propensity to move. The components of demand are often based on the goal of the report’s end-user. The goal of NCHMA’s demand model is to provide a base estimate of income-qualified renter households. Refinements to this demand model can be made to address a more discrete target population on a case-by-case basis. The intention of this demand model is to provide a consistent methodology for comparison purposes.

The rate that tenants move from one unit to another affects the length of time a project needs to achieve full occupancy. It also influences a project’s annual revenues and operating expenses. This paper identifies factors to be considered, highlights red flags and recommends best practices for analyzing turnover.

Market analysis for age- and income-restricted rental housing, referenced here as “senior housing market analysis”, differs significantly from the analysis of general occupancy rental communities. The tendencies, incomes, needs and wants of senior renter households differ, at times significantly, from younger and/or family households. The demand for age-restricted rental housing should be evaluated with an understanding of these differences. This white paper identifies specific factors to be considered in conducting senior housing market analysis, proposes best practices, and suggests red flags that warrant particular attention when encountered in this type of study.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released private letter rulings (PLRs) concerning historic tax credit (HTC) regulations. In PLR 201228015 and PLR 201228016, the IRS found that separate buildings rehabilitated under a common plan can be considered one project for HTC purposes. In another recently released PLR, PLR 2012228019, the IRS granted an extension to the amount of time the taxpayer has to make the election in which the tenant is treated as having purchased the property.

The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security recently held a public hearing on the Census Bureau’s FY 2013 budget and the proposed elimination of the American Community Survey (ACS). This hearing comes after the US House of Representatives voted in May to support Representative Daniel Webster’s (R-FL) Amendment 1077 to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies 2013 Appropriations Act (H.R. 5326), to eliminate the ACS, a detailed national annual survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Multifamily Finance Division of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has posted on their website a memorandum regarding clarifications the allocation process for the 2012 Competitive (9%) Housing Tax Credits. The purpose of the memorandum is to convey to the public two challenges that may need to be considered and addressed during the staff’s award recommendations at the July 26th, 2012 Board meeting.

A new report from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities entitled “Renters’ Tax Credit Would Promote Equity and Advance Balanced Housing Policy” examines how a renter tax credit could help in implementing a more balanced federal housing policy.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) has published a final rule (RIN 0575″“AC66) relating to reserve accounts for new construction Section 515 or 514/516 multifamily properties.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently announced that the winning bidders in a real estate owned (REO) pilot initiative, REO to Rental program, have been chosen and transactions are expected to close soon.