Washington’s Big Shift: Clean Buildings, Parking Reform, and Transit-Oriented-Development Incentives
Release Date: 08/28/2025
Washington’s Big Shift: Clean Buildings, Parking Reform, and Transit-Oriented-Development Incentives
HFO Multifamily Marketwatch
In this episode of Multifamily Marketwatch, HFO’s Senior Data Analyst Michael Pierce breaks down three major regulatory changes reshaping the apartment investment landscape in Washington State. Tune in to learn what multifamily property owners must do to comply with the new Clean Buildings Tier 2 law, how Senate Bill 5184 is eliminating costly parking mandates, and why Washington’s Transit-Oriented Development Law (HB 1491) is one of the most aggressive pro-density policies in the nation. This timely briefing is essential for multifamily investors, developers, and asset managers looking to...
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Oregon Housing Acceleration: New Laws, Lease Changes, and Why Portland’s Back
HFO Multifamily Marketwatch
In this episode of Multifamily Marketwatch, Michael Pierce explores Oregon’s latest push to ramp up housing construction and investment. With five new laws signed by Governor Tina Kotek—including fast-tracked permitting, infrastructure funding, and support for modular and mixed-income housing—developers are finding new opportunities across the state. Plus, hear about Eugene’s plan for 520 units of student housing, Happy Valley’s new mandatory $130 parking charge, and why Portland is quietly becoming one of the best multifamily investment plays on the West Coast. This is must-know...
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Multifamily Lending Outlook: 2025 and Beyond
HFO Multifamily Marketwatch
Charlie Kokernak of Gantry Inc. delivers a practical, forward-looking take on the multifamily lending environment heading into 2026. Touching on interest rates, debt yields, refinancing pain, and lender sentiment, Kokernak helps multifamily investors understand what to expect in both agency and private lending markets. With institutional sales slow and distress brewing in some segments, this conversation offers key insights on how to finance, refinance, and restructure deals in today’s high-rate environment.
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Portland’s Vacancy Tax Proposal: Quick Fix or Quagmire?
HFO Multifamily Marketwatch
Today's episode explores vacancy taxes, a topic that several Portland City Council members are currently discussing. Some argue the proposal can help reduce vacant properties across the city. But is it really the solution to our housing crisis, or are they simply looking at a policy that sounds promising but falls short?
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Portland Multifamily Market Q2 2025: Stabilizing Fundamentals, Suburban Strength, and a Pipeline Slowdown
HFO Multifamily Marketwatch
In this episode of Multifamily Marketwatch, Michael Pierce dives into Portland’s multifamily market as it begins to stabilize after years of volatility. With vacancy rates trending down, absorption picking up, and construction slowing to a crawl, what does this mean for investors and developers? Tune in for a positive outlook on Portland’s market and how strategic patience may be the key to success.
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Oregon Housing Policy: Wins & Woes for Landlords
HFO Multifamily Marketwatch
This episode features the latest Oregon wins and woes for landlords from the 2025 legislative session. Andor law co-founder Marcel Gesmundo discusses the recent Oregon legislative session. Discover the latest housing provider wins, including the defeat of several bills that would have had a negative impact on the industry. Additionally, Gesmundo discusses the ongoing efforts to promote housing production and streamline processes within the state. Marcel serves on the board of directors of the Government Affairs Committee for Multifamily NW.
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Washington Rent Control & Lease Changes: What Owners Need to Know
HFO Multifamily Marketwatch
Brad Kraus, a partner at Warren Allen, breaks down the latest legislative changes impacting rental housing providers in Washington State. Discover the new rent increase caps, mandatory forms, and service of process requirements that are now in effect. This episode is crucial for understanding how to navigate these updates and avoid costly management mistakes.
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Affordable Housing on the Brink: Seattle’s Crisis & Portland’s Pivot
HFO Multifamily Marketwatch
Seattle's affordable housing is unraveling—1,100 units for sale, rising costs, and legal battles. In Portland, a major nonprofit is selling 80 homes, hoping to turn renters into owners. Crisis or opportunity?
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Yields, Spreads, and the Price of Risk: Understanding the Cost of Capital in Today’s Market
HFO Multifamily Marketwatch
Bond yields are bouncing and lender sentiment is shifting. In this episode of HFO’s Multifamily Marketwatch, Michael Pierce breaks down the recent Treasury market volatility, explains the role of credit spreads in loan pricing, and shares what multifamily owners and investors need to know to navigate today’s cautious lending environment.
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Washington’s Apartment Squeeze: Permits Plunge as Residents Flee High Costs
HFO Multifamily Marketwatch
Seattle’s apartment pipeline is drying up as construction permits plunge and housing costs drive record out-migration from Washington. In this episode, HFO’s Michael Pierce breaks down the latest permitting data, rent trends, and policy debates every multifamily owner, investor, and developer needs to know.
info_outlineIn this episode of Multifamily Marketwatch, HFO’s Senior Data Analyst Michael Pierce breaks down three major regulatory changes reshaping the apartment investment landscape in Washington State. Tune in to learn what multifamily property owners must do to comply with the new Clean Buildings Tier 2 law, how Senate Bill 5184 is eliminating costly parking mandates, and why Washington’s Transit-Oriented Development Law (HB 1491) is one of the most aggressive pro-density policies in the nation. This timely briefing is essential for multifamily investors, developers, and asset managers looking to reduce costs, unlock tax incentives, and stay ahead of compliance deadlines.