Many of the national trends unfolding in the multifamily sector are playing out in Grand Rapids, the second largest city in Michigan, with a population estimated at 195,000 and slightly more than 1 million metrowide. A combination of demographic, economic and lifestyle trends are leading to the creation of more renter households. This includes Baby Boomers, Millennials and renters by choice across all income levels. In addition, Grand Rapids is experiencing an urban renaissance that is bringing new commerce, housing and amenities into the downtown area. During the 2016 National Multifamily Housing Council conference in Orlando, Grand Rapids was recognized as one of the top three small to mid-sized markets in the country for multifamily investment. Annualized apartment rent growth in Grand Rapids has been running at a robust 7 to 8 percent for the past two years, but some momentum has been lost in the wake of a large number of units that have come on line. The annual rent growth slipped to 4.6 percent during the four-quarter period that ended Sept. 30. The average occupancy rate remains above 97 percent, but is gradually coming off a peak of 98.6 percent in the third and fourth quarters of 2013. …
