2025 Year in Review: Matt Cawley, National Multifamily

Looking back at 2025, what deal, project, or key moment best reflected the direction of the New England CRE market this year? While inventory and sales volume continued at a similar and lower than usual pace, like the years before it, a key moment for us looking into the future of the New England CRE market this year was hiring two very talented analysts knowing and having confidence in the market beginning to increase its momentum and continuing to improve in 2026.

What accomplishment or milestone stood out for you or your firm in 2025? National Multifamily had an incredible 2025. We celebrated our three-year anniversary as a young firm earlier this year. Our team grew to five, with three in the New York office and two remote and over the past 12 months we sold and have under contract 25 properties totaling 532 units. None of this is possible without the fortune of getting to work with so many amazing clients, buyers, and others in the apartment building industry including the NEREJ.

As you look ahead to 2026, which emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or your market sector? The two primary factors that we are tracking looking ahead to 2026 are the ever-changing landscape of each state’s legislation in relation to housing policies and multifamily properties and a wave of cheap debt that is beginning to expire next year which will result in either higher interest rate refinancing or increased sales volume. Both will create opportunities on the sell and buy side as deals are put under the microscope.