We just got back from the Texas Apartment Association conference in Houston, and while the crowd was a little lighter this year, the conversations were anything but.
If there’s one thing that stood out at TAA 2025, it’s this: people are unsure about what’s next — but they’re paying attention.
Whether it was discussions on rent trends, new supply, or what inflation and tariffs might mean for the multifamily industry, the overall feeling was one of cautious curiosity which is a healthy place to be at this time.
Here are a few simple truths we walked away with:
1. Things Aren’t Falling Apart — They’re Just Changing
Yes, prices are up. Yes, construction has slowed. But that doesn’t mean the sky is falling. Most of what we’re seeing is the market adjusting after a few years of fast growth and major supply expansion. It’s not chaos — it’s course correction.
2. The Texas Multifamily Market is Still Booming
People are still moving here. In fact, Texas ranks #1 for projected growth in young adults over the next 10 years. Cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas are among the fastest-growing in the country. That’s long-term fuel for demand, even if things feel bumpy right now.
3. Rents Are Flattening, But That’s Not the Whole Story
In some areas — especially those with a ton of new apartments — rents have cooled off or even dropped slightly. But in places with fewer new builds, rents are still climbing. Supply and demand still rule the game. If there’s too much inventory, prices dip. If there’s not enough, they rise.
4. Generations Matter (And Yes, They’re All Still Here)
Jason Dorsey — researcher, author, and speaker — delivered one of the most talked-about sessions of the event with his sharp, funny, and genuinely thoughtful breakdown of how different generations are shaping our industry. From Gen Z to Boomers, he reminded us that each group brings unique strengths to the table and we need all of them to thrive.
His message? Stop lumping generations into stereotypes and instead start treating them like the multi-faceted renters, employees, and investors they are.
If you’d like to learn more on this topic, you can check out his website here.
5. People Are Staying Put
One surprising stat: even with all the new supply, more renters are choosing to renew their leases. That’s a good sign that many are happy where they are, or at least not ready to jump ship in a market full of question marks.
6. The Headlines Aren’t Always Right
There was a lot of buzz about how tariffs might jack up construction costs or tank the rental market. But experts at the conference, like Jay Parsons, reminded us that the reality is more measured. Yes, costs might rise a little but it’s not the doomsday some articles make it out to be.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
The multifamily market is going through a transition, not a breakdown. And if you’re a property owner, manager, or marketer, the best thing you can do is stay focused on the fundamentals:
- Keep your digital presence sharp
- Be consistent with your follow-up
- Understand your local market
- And most importantly — don’t panic
At Swifty, we’re here to help you make sense of it all, with marketing tools designed to keep your properties competitive even when the market gets noisy.
