The Future of Housing: What the Top Economists See Ahead

<p>What does the next chapter of housing look like? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Nebenzahl, Vice President of Rental Research at John Burns Research &amp; Consulting, to break down the key trends shaping multifamily real estate and what operators, investors and market watchers should be paying attention to in 2026.We cover:</p><ol><li><strong>Macro Perspective &amp; Market Dynamics</strong>: The defining characteristics of today’s cycle, misleading narratives about metro growth, and the long-term positioning of the Build-to-Rent sector.</li><li> Leading Indicators &amp; Market Signals: Why occupancy remains the most telling predictor of rent trends, the post-pandemic decoupling of job growth and apartment demand, and early signals of a “soft landing.”</li><li><strong>Demographics, Migration &amp; Policy Impacts:</strong> How aging populations, migration patterns, and policy decisions are shaping markets and affordability across metros.</li><li><strong>Investment Strategy &amp; Recovery:</strong> How investors are recalibrating in a slower market, lessons from recent supply surges, and which markets may recover first as vacancies tighten.</li></ol><p>If you’re an investor, operator or real estate professional, this episode gives actionable insights into housing market trends, renter behavior and early indicators to watch for 2026.</p>