7 Apartment Sector 7.1 Current Conditions The apartment market remained tight in early 2016, but signs that the sector is moving towards the mature stage of the cycle continue to emerge. The nation's vacancy rate was 4.4% at mid-year, up 10 basis points from a year earlier, the first increase since late 2009.42 While vacancy remains near its lowest level since 2000, rent growth likely peaked last year. Despite these signs, investors continue to covet the stable cash flow that apartments provide, Keeping yields at historic lows. Demographics and lifestyle preferences that have delayed homeownership still support strong apartment demand, as does steady job growth. Nearly 29,300 units were absorbed in the first quarter of 2016, the highest figure for a first quarter since 2010.44, Homeownership remains near its lowest point in several decades." We believe the homeownership rate has likely bottomed, but should remain at current levels for several years. The housing market is improving, but inventory is low, especially for homes that would be affordable for much of the prime renter cohort currently living in apartments y5 This should restrict any large outflows of renter's into homeownership. Moreover, according to the Nielsen Company, 62% of Millennials prefer to live in mixed-use communities found in urban centers, closer to shops, restaurants, and the office.44, Low homeownership and demand for city living has led to a wave of apartment construction projects as developers have rushed to capitalize on demand. Multifamily permits totaled 428,061 units in the 12 months ending May 2016, compared to 398,648 units over the previous 12 months.42 Metros with a significant annual increase in pennitting include Dallas. Atlanta, Denver, Orange County, Portland and San Diego. Exh4:41 14: 6404t1M4c4R4I4W0011tele Thousands of Units 500 400 100 200 100 0 .100 Forecast 8% 7% 6% s% hill :: a% 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 201