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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

Meet Brad Hunter

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.

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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

Brad Hunter explains Florida's property tax amendment impact on developers with cityscape background and logo.

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.

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Testimonials

A Repeat-Client Testimonial

"We rely on Hunter Housing Economics for our built-for-rent and multifamily studies because they prepare the most thorough and well-thought-out market studies available in the market today. That is also appreciated by our equity partners and lenders, who we have found place Hunter Housing...

"We rely on Hunter Housing Economics for our built-for-rent and multifamily studies because they prepare the most thorough and well-thought-out market studies available in the market today. That is also appreciated by our equity partners and lenders, who we have found place Hunter Housing Economics at the top of their approved market study vendor lists in markets all around the country because of their balanced and complete analysis. HHE does not merely deliver a powerful report; they provide a complete and bespoke consulting service that sets them apart from other research companies."


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Larry Baum

Managing Partner, Stellar Communities, Developer of over 3,000 residential units in Florida.

A Repeat-Client Testimonial

"As the BFR space is emerging, Brad and his team have a unique perspective on product and market segmentation that differentiates them from their peers and is valuable to investors as they make IRR-driven decisions."

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Margaret Whelan

Whelan Advisory

A Valued-Client Testimonial

"I've worked with many market researchers over the years, and Brad consistently delivers some of the most thoughtful and actionable housing analysis available."

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Sudha Reddy

Haven Realty Capital

An Industry-Leader Testimonial

"Brad is one of the most important and insightful voices in the BFR industry"

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Andy Talbert

Elux Capital

A Trusted-Advisor Testimonial

"We found the studies that Brad and his team prepared, and the advice provided, to be highly insightful, and, frankly, indispensable."

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Marcus Buerosse

Strategic Asset Advisors