WHITE PAPERS &
MARKET RESEARCH
Timely research. Data-driven insights.
Better real estate decisions
Explore original research and white papers from Brad Hunter and Hunter Housing Economics on housing markets, rental housing, development trends and investment performance
The industry intelligence you need, the content you'll love
The pulse of housing, development, and capital all in one place.
SITE SPECIFIC STUDIES
Discover the market story around a specific deal
- Market conditions
- Risks & opportunities
- Demand & supply
- Planning & underwriting
- Pressure-test the deal
ACTIONABLE WHITEPAPERS
Deep dive into what is changing, why it matters, and how to act before the market moves.
- Development Strategy
- Product & Pricing Strategy
- Capital & Deal Strategy
- Policy & Regulation
FORBES CONTRIBUTOR
Rigorous analysis backed by real market data
- Expert Analysis
- Investment strategy insights
- Development activity tracking
- Economic Insights
QUARTERLY MARKET STUDIES
Fresh research and market intelligence every quarter
- Quarterly market forecasts
- Pricing & rent performance
- Economic and demographic trends
- Regional market comparisons
Brad Hunter is a housing market economist with 38+ years of experience and founder of Hunter Housing Economics (HHE), a firm specializing in comprehensive site-specific market studies for residential developments. His expertise spans builder projects, master-planned communities, multifamily, SFR/BFR, and mixed-use developments nationwide. Prior to HHE, Brad served as Chief Economist and National Director of Consulting at MetroStudy (now Zonda), where he led hundreds of market studies and advised investors on strategy and valuation. He has also held leadership roles at RCLCO, Powers-Hunter Group, and HomeAdvisor.
Specialties: Market feasibility studies, sales/absorption forecasts, due diligence, market research, consumer research.
The Garage Premium: Unlocking Hidden NOI in Build to Rent
New research shows how attached garages are driving higher rents, improving resident retention, and creating long term value in BTR communities.

A new joint analysis by Hunter Housing Economics and Yardi Matrix examined more than 1,500 institutional rental townhome communities across the United States to quantify the financial impact of attached garages on rental performance.
The study found that garage-equipped townhome communities consistently achieve higher rents, stronger net operating income (NOI), and increased asset values compared to similar properties without garages.
Two-car garages generated annual rent premiums of up to $4,440 per unit and created approximately $38,000 in additional property value per unit when capitalized at market rates.
The findings suggest that attached garages are often one of the highest-return design features available to developers, particularly in suburban Sun Belt and Midwest markets where renter demand for storage, convenience, and single-family-style living continues to grow.
Brad Hunter on Forbes
Expert perspectives on the trends, policies, and economic forces shaping housing markets across the country.
Through his Forbes contributions, Brad Hunter delivers timely analysis on the issues driving residential real estate today. From housing affordability and migration trends to market cycles, policy shifts, and development strategy, these articles provide data-driven insights for developers, investors, and housing professionals looking to better understand where the market is headed and how to position for what comes next
HHE and Yardi Matrix on the Garage Premium
New research shows how attached garages can increase rents, strengthen NOI, and add long-term value in Build to Rent communities.
Hunter Housing Economics and Yardi Matrix analyzed more than 1,500 rental townhome communities nationwide, finding that attached garages can drive meaningful rent premiums, improve occupancy stability, and enhance asset value. The research offers practical insight for developers, lenders, and investors evaluating BTR opportunities.
Testimonials
SITE SPECIFIC STUDIES
Discover the market story around a specific deal
Market conditions
Risks & opportunities
Demand & supply
Planning & underwriting
Pressure-test the deal
ACTIONABLE WHITEPAPERS
Deep dive into what is changing, why it matters, and how to act before the market moves.
- Development Strategy
- Product & Pricing Strategy
- Capital & Deal Strategy
- Policy & Regulation
FORBES CONTRIBUTOR
Rigorous analysis backed by real market data
- Expert Analysis
- Investment strategy insights
- Development activity tracking
- Economic Insights
QUARTERLY MARKET STUDIES
Fresh research and market intelligence every quarter
- Quarterly market forecasts
- Pricing & rent performance
- Economic and demographic trends
- Regional market comparisons