Last Updated: April 2024
The multifamily rental housing market in the United States is an important segment of the real estate industry, offering diverse living solutions to a wide range of demographics. Dominated by several key players, this sector has seen significant growth and evolution, driven by changing consumer preferences and economic trends. These industry leaders – MAA, Greystar, Morgan Properties, AvalonBay Communities, and others – have shaped the market through innovative development, strategic acquisitions, and a focus on community building.
5 Largest Multifamily Companies in the United States
Below we delve into the profiles of these top companies, exploring their portfolio size, target markets, and the role they play in shaping the multifamily rental property industry in the United States. These industry leaders are ranked based on factors such as portfolio size, target markets, and number of facilities, have set high standards in customer service and technological integration.
1. Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA)
MAA Key Statistics:
- Founded: 1977
- Ownership: NYSE:MAA
- Number of Units: Over 102,0001
- Geographic Focus: Sunbelt region of the United States
- Services: Acquisition, Development, Redevelopment, Management
- Strategy: Target Class A & B Garden and Mid-Rise Multifamily, Diversified Rent Prices
Mid-America Apartment Communities (also known as MAA), stands as a prominent force in the multifamily housing sector of the United States. Renowned for its large and diverse portfolio of apartment communities, MAA primarily targets the Sunbelt region, offering a range of living options from suburban to urban settings. The company’s success is rooted in its strategic approach to property acquisition, development, and management, focusing on creating value and enhancing the living experience for residents.
2. Morgan Properties
Morgan Properties Key Statistics:
- Founded: 1985
- Ownership: Private
- Number of Units: Over 95,0002
- Geographic Focus: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions
- Services: Acquisition, Redevelopment, Management
- Strategies: Strategic Class B
Acquisitions, Value-Add Renovations
Morgan Properties has distinguished itself as a major force in the U.S. multifamily housing sector, rapidly expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. The company, known for its adept management of apartment communities, primarily focuses on high-value renovations and community enhancement. With a strong presence in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions, Morgan Properties caters to a wide demographic, offering quality living experiences in various market segments.
3. AvalonBay Communities
AvalonBay Communities Key Statistics:
- Founded: 1978
- Ownership: NYSE:AVB
- Number of Units: Over 90,0003
- Geographic Focus: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, and California.
- Services: Acquisition, Development, Redevelopment, Management
- Strategy: Class A in Urban & High-Density select U.S. regions
AvalonBay Communities Inc is a standout in the multifamily housing sector, known for its high-quality, well-located apartment communities in the United States. With a strategic focus on urban and high-density suburban markets, particularly in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California regions, AvalonBay has established itself as a leader in creating vibrant communities. The company excels in developing, redeveloping, acquiring, and managing luxury apartments, consistently aiming to provide a superior living experience for its residents.
4. Greystar Real Estate Partners
Greystar Key Statistics:
- Founded: 1993
- Ownership: Private
- Number of Units: Over 87,0004
- Geographic Focus: U.S. and International in High-Growth Urban Regions
- Services: Acquisition, Development, Redevelopment, Management, Capital Markets
- Strategy: Full Service Rental Real Estate Company Across all Service Lines
Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC is a global leader in the rental housing industry, renowned for its extensive portfolio and management services. With a strategic focus on both the U.S. and international markets, Greystar has established a strong presence in high-growth urban areas. The company differentiates itself through a comprehensive approach to property management, development, and investment, catering to a diverse range of housing needs.
5. Cortland
Cortland Key Statistics:
- Founded: 2005
- Ownership: Private
- Number of Units: Over 81,0005
- Geographic Focus: Urban High-Density Areas in major U.S. cities and Europe.
- Services: Acquisition, Redevelopment, Development, Management
- Strategy: Known for high-quality apartment properties.
Cortland ranks as one of the largest multifamily companies due to its extensive portfolio of high-quality apartment communities. Specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of luxury apartments, Cortland focuses on delivering superior resident experiences across its properties. The company’s innovative approach to apartment living and community engagement helps it stand out in the competitive real estate market. Cortland’s success is also marked by its strategic expansion and management of numerous properties across significant urban areas.
Rating Methodology
Companies are ranked based on unit count within the United States market. Any numerical figures are retrieved from publicly accessible materials, and believed to be accurate as of the last update of this page.
1https://www.maac.com/about-us/ 2https://www.linkedin.com/company/morgan-properties/ 3https://investors.avalonbay.com/corporate-profile/default.aspx 4https://www.nmhc.org/research-insight/the-nmhc-50/top-50-lists/2024-top-owners-list/ 5https://cortland.com/investors/
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Largest Multifamily Rental Property Company Stocks
The multifamily rental owner market in the United States includes several publicly traded companies, known for their extensive portfolios and strategic growth in the real estate sector. These real estate stocks and the companies behind them are known for their extensive portfolios and have attracted investor interest, as reflected in their listings on stock exchanges
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Largest Multifamily Rental Property Companies FAQ
Who Are The Top 10 Multifamily Rental Property Owner Companies in the United States?
The multifamily housing market in the United States is dominated by several key players, each holding significant portfolios and influence. Among them, the top multifamily companies are recognized for their extensive portfolios and strategic operations across various regions.
Top 10 Multifamily Rental Companies:
- Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA)
- Morgan Properties
- AvalonBay Communities
- Greystar Real Estate Partners
- Cortland
- Equity Residential
- Monarch Investment & Management Group
- Edward Rose Building Enterprise
- Essex Property Trust
- Nuveen (Real Estate)
How Do The Largest Multifamily Companies Differentiate Themselves?
The largest multifamily rental real estate companies in the United States distinguish themselves through various business strategies and operational focuses. Here’s a summarized overview of how some of these companies differentiate themselves:
Company | Differentiation Strategy |
MAA | Targets the Sunbelt region with a mix of suburban and urban apartment communities, emphasizing regional market specialization and diversity. |
Morgan Properties | Specializes in acquiring and revitalizing properties; focuses on enhancing community value and tenant experiences in key regions. |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | Concentrates on high-density urban and suburban markets, developing luxury apartments with a mix of innovative and sustainable features. |
Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC | Global reach with operations in several countries; offers extensive services in multifamily property management, development, and investment. |
Cortland | Focuses on major urban markets; offers resident-centric amenities and services, emphasizing quality living experiences in desirable locations. |
What are Current Trends Influencing Multifamily Rental Companies?
Current trends influencing the growth of major multifamily rental owner companies include a rising demand for urban living, with a focus on mixed-use developments that blend residential and commercial spaces. Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are increasingly important, as companies seek to attract environmentally conscious tenants. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on technology integration, enhancing the resident experience through smart home features and digital services. Lastly, the shift towards more flexible living arrangements, including short-term leases and co-living spaces, reflects changing lifestyle preferences and work dynamics.
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About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
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