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2026 Multifamily Outlook – Karlin Conklin interviewed
Woodland Hills, CA – December 23, 2025 – As apartment owners and operators work through continued supply pressure, elevated expenses, and a shifting renter landscape, disciplined execution has become essential across the multifamily industry. In a recent ConnectCRE year-end forecast article, “Multifamily Outlook: Stabilization and Balance Anticipated in 2026,” Karlin Conklin, Principal and COO of Investors Management Group (IMG), shared her perspective on how the sector performed in 2025 and what operators should expect in the year ahead.
Conklin noted that 2025 was a challenging operating environment, driven primarily by new supply and higher costs, which resulted in increased vacancy, broader concessions, and flat rent growth. In response, IMG focused on protecting occupancy through disciplined staffing, targeted marketing, and hands-on property management to support resident retention.
Looking ahead to 2026, Conklin expects improving balance as construction starts decline and absorption keeps pace with deliveries. She anticipates concessions will gradually ease and pricing leverage will slowly return to landlords, particularly in markets with manageable supply pipelines.
Conklin also emphasized that affordability remains central to both renter demand and investment strategy. As renter budgets remain strained, value-oriented, necessity-based housing continues to see resilient demand. IMG’s long-term focus on durable assets in high-growth markets positions the portfolio to benefit as operating conditions stabilize.
Describing her outlook for the year ahead as “a steady recovery built on disciplined operations,” Conklin highlighted that the groundwork laid in 2025 should support incremental improvement in occupancy, income, and transaction activity in 2026.
Read the full article in ConnectCRE: “Multifamily Outlook: Stabilization and Balance Anticipated in 2026.”
About Investors Management Group
Founded by Neil Schimmel, IMG is a nationally acclaimed real estate investment and asset management firm highly specialized in apartment communities. Our mission is to create vibrant, sustainable living environments through strategic investments and a commitment to community development. With a network of over 1,000 accredited investors, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our 5,000+ tenants nationwide and support the growth of local neighborhoods. IMG’s culture is characterized by innovation and a steadfast commitment to creating value in multifamily investments. Learn more