Aug 25, 2025
U.S. apartment rent growth stalled in July, with more than half of the 50 largest multifamily markets seeing month-to-month declines. The national average rent held steady at $1,717, marking the sixth straight month of flat or negative growth, while annual growth slowed to 1.1% from 1.5% in January.The slowdown is driven by higher supply and softening seasonal demand, which typically peaks in summer. Regionally, the Midwest and Northeast led with modest gains, while the South and West posted declines, especially in markets facing heavy new construction.San Francisco, Chicago, and San Jose topped annual growth, while Austin, Denver, and Phoenix led in annual declines. This reflects a growing divide between Midwest/coastal markets that remain resilient and Sun Belt markets where supply is outpacing demand.
Aug 25, 2025
The Federal Reserve’s latest meeting minutes revealed new concerns about the housing market, which has been dragging down economic momentum. Policymakers noted weakening demand, falling prices, and declining building permits—raising worries that housing could become a broader risk to jobs and growth. While the Fed also flagged risks from tariffs, the labor market, and AI’s impact on employment, the housing slowdown stood out as a new focus. Fresh data confirmed the slump, with flat home sales, subdued prices, and low builder confidence, suggesting housing activity will likely soften further. This shift could influence upcoming rate decisions, with Chair Jerome Powell hinting at a possible September rate cut.
Jul 10, 2025
Allegiant sold the Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor to Blackstone for \$200 million, aiming to refocus on its airline business. The \$695M resort faced delays and losses but recently improved, attracting Blackstone’s investment. The sale closes in Q3.
May 13, 2025
Driftwood Capital has launched a new Driftwood Lifestyle & Luxury Division (DLLUX), focusing on managing, investing in, and developing luxury and lifestyle hotels and branded residences. Alinio Azevedo, former CEO of Aspen Hospitality, leads the division and is spearheading a dedicated investment fund targeting over $3 billion in assets across the U.S. and select international markets. At launch, DLLUX assumed oversight of 12 properties from Driftwood Hospitality Management, including The Scottsdale Resort & Spa and Hotel Rumbao in San Juan. The initiative aligns with evolving travel trends favoring immersive, bespoke experiences and aims to meet the growing demand from affluent travelers seeking high-end accommodations.
May 8, 2025
Luxury labels like Mercedes-Benz, Dolce & Gabbana and Baccarat now lend their names to condo projects, letting developers pre-sell “branded residences” to fund new five-star hotels at a time when banks are wary of hotel loans. Buyers pay a premium for the cachet and perceived quality, brands collect naming-rights fees, and developers secure cheaper capital—making these condos the financial linchpin for high-end hotel construction in hotspots such as South Florida and Dubai.
