DH Leffridge

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Multi-family apartment building investment
Multi-Family Financing Programs

Multi-Family Loans forApartment Investors

Institutional-quality financing for 2-200+ unit apartment buildings. Cash-flow underwriting, competitive leverage, and experienced execution for serious multi-family operators.

80%
Max LTV
14-21
Days to Close
$25M+
Max Loan Size
1.20x
Min DSCR
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Understanding Multi-Family Financing

What Is Multi-Family Financing?

Multi-family financing provides specialized capital for residential investment properties with two or more dwelling units—from small duplexes and fourplexes to large-scale apartment complexes with hundreds of doors. Unlike traditional single-family mortgages, multi-family loans are primarily underwritten based on property income and cash-flow metrics rather than personal borrower income.

Small Multi-Family (2-4 Units)

Small multi-family properties—duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes—occupy a unique position in real estate finance. These properties can often qualify for residential loan programs with owner-occupancy benefits, including lower down payments (as low as 3.5% with FHA) and simpler underwriting requirements. For investors, small multi-family offers an accessible entry point into rental real estate with multiple income streams from a single property.

Our small multi-family programs serve both owner-occupants looking to "house hack" their first investment and experienced investors building portfolios of 2-4 unit properties. Loan amounts typically range from $150,000 to $2 million, with competitive rates and flexible terms based on property performance and borrower experience.

Large Multi-Family & Apartment Buildings (5+ Units)

Properties with five or more units are classified as commercial real estate, requiring commercial loan structures and more sophisticated underwriting analysis. Large multi-family financing involves detailed review of rent rolls, operating expense history, market comparable analysis, and professional property management requirements.

We provide financing for apartment buildings ranging from 5-unit properties to institutional-scale complexes with 200+ doors. Loan sizes typically range from $500,000 to $25 million+, with terms structured around property net operating income (NOI), debt service coverage ratio (DSCR), and market capitalization rates. Our programs serve acquisition, refinance, and value-add strategies.

Stabilized vs. Value-Add Multi-Family

Stabilized multi-family properties maintain 90%+ occupancy with market-rate rents and minimal deferred maintenance. These assets qualify for the most competitive permanent financing terms, including lower rates, higher leverage (up to 80% LTV), and longer amortization periods. Stabilized deals are ideal for investors seeking predictable cash flow and long-term appreciation.

Value-add multi-family involves acquiring underperforming properties with below-market rents, high vacancy, or deferred maintenance—then executing a renovation and repositioning strategy to increase NOI and property value. Value-add financing typically combines acquisition capital with renovation funds, disbursed in draws as improvements are completed. Upon stabilization, investors refinance into permanent financing or sell at the improved value.

Why Multi-Family Remains a Premier Asset Class

Multi-family real estate has consistently demonstrated resilience across economic cycles, making it a cornerstone of institutional investment portfolios. Key advantages include:

  • Diversified Income: Multiple tenants reduce vacancy risk compared to single-family rentals
  • Economies of Scale: Per-unit operating costs decrease as property size increases
  • Value-Add Opportunity: Operational improvements directly translate to increased property value
  • Favorable Financing: Strong lender appetite creates competitive terms and higher leverage
  • Demographic Tailwinds: Housing demand fundamentals support long-term rental growth
Program Features

Multi-Family Loan Highlights

Institutional-quality financing designed for serious apartment investors and operators

2-200+ Units

Finance small multi-family (2-4 units) up to large apartment complexes with 200+ doors

Value-Add Financing

Capital for acquisitions, renovations, and repositioning to maximize NOI and property value

Up to 80% LTV

Competitive leverage on stabilized assets with flexible terms for value-add deals

14-21 Day Close

Expedited underwriting and closing timelines to capture competitive opportunities

Cash-Flow Underwriting

Asset-based approach focused on property NOI and DSCR rather than personal income

Portfolio Programs

Blanket loans and portfolio solutions for operators scaling their apartment holdings

Portfolio Assets

Multi-Family Investment Opportunities

Large apartment complex investment property
Modern luxury apartment interior
Value-add multi-family renovation
Premium apartment amenities
Multi-family investor analysis
Funding Process

How Multi-Family Financing Works

From application to funding in as few as 14-21 days

01

Property Analysis

Submit your multi-family opportunity. We analyze unit count, occupancy, rent rolls, and market fundamentals.

02

Cash-Flow Underwriting

Our team underwrites based on NOI, cap rates, and DSCR metrics. Terms structured around property performance.

03

Approval & Documentation

Receive your commitment letter with clear terms. Streamlined documentation for experienced operators.

04

Fund & Scale

Close in 14-21 days. Capital deployed to acquire, renovate, or refinance your multi-family asset.

Nationwide Coverage

Multi-Family Loans Across America

Active apartment financing programs in major markets nationwide

CaliforniaTexasFloridaArizonaNevadaColoradoGeorgiaNorth CarolinaTennesseeOhioMichiganIllinoisPennsylvaniaNew YorkNew JerseyVirginiaWashingtonOregonUtahIndianaMissouriMarylandMinnesotaWisconsinSouth CarolinaOklahomaLouisiana
Ideal Borrowers

Who Multi-Family Loans Are For

Capital solutions for every stage of your apartment investment journey

Apartment Investors

Acquiring stabilized or value-add apartment buildings to build cash-flowing portfolios

Syndicators & Sponsors

Capital partners raising equity and seeking reliable debt for apartment syndications

Value-Add Operators

Investors repositioning underperforming assets through renovations and management improvements

Portfolio Owners

Experienced operators expanding holdings or consolidating multi-family debt

Common Questions

Multi-Family Financing FAQ

What is multi-family financing and how does it work?

Multi-family financing provides capital to acquire, renovate, or refinance residential properties with 2 or more units. Unlike single-family loans, multi-family loans are primarily underwritten based on property cash flow (NOI) and debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) rather than personal income. This asset-based approach allows investors to scale portfolios based on property performance.

What's the difference between small and large multi-family loans?

Small multi-family (2-4 units) can often qualify for residential loan programs with lower down payments and simpler underwriting. Large multi-family (5+ units) is considered commercial real estate and requires commercial loan structures with more detailed underwriting of rent rolls, operating expenses, and market analysis. We finance both categories with specialized programs.

What LTV can I get on a multi-family property?

Stabilized multi-family properties with strong occupancy (90%+) and healthy DSCR (1.25x+) can qualify for up to 80% LTV. Value-add deals with renovation components typically range from 70-75% of purchase price plus 100% of renovation costs. Bridge loans for repositioning may offer 65-75% of as-is value with additional funds for improvements.

How is multi-family loan sizing determined?

Multi-family loans are sized based on the property's net operating income (NOI) and debt service coverage ratio (DSCR). We analyze gross rental income, vacancy assumptions, operating expenses, and market cap rates to determine sustainable debt levels. Most programs require a minimum 1.20-1.25x DSCR, meaning the property generates 20-25% more income than debt payments.

Can I finance value-add multi-family renovations?

Yes. Our value-add multi-family programs provide acquisition financing plus renovation capital in a single loan. Funds are disbursed in draws as work is completed, similar to construction loans. Upon stabilization (typically 90%+ occupancy at market rents), you can refinance into permanent financing or sell at the improved value.

What are the requirements for multi-family financing?

Requirements vary by program and property type. Generally, we look for: experienced operators with multi-family track record, properties in stable or improving markets, realistic renovation budgets and timelines for value-add deals, adequate reserves for operating expenses, and a clear business plan with realistic exit strategy.

How fast can you close on a multi-family loan?

Stabilized multi-family acquisitions can close in 14-21 days with complete documentation. Value-add deals requiring more detailed renovation analysis typically close in 21-30 days. Complex syndications or properties requiring significant due diligence may take 30-45 days. We provide preliminary term sheets within 24-48 hours to help you compete on acquisitions.

Do you offer portfolio loans for multiple multi-family properties?

Yes. Our portfolio programs allow you to finance multiple multi-family properties under a single blanket loan, simplifying administration and often improving terms. We work with operators who own 2-3 small multi-family properties up to institutional investors with 20+ apartment buildings. Portfolio loans can include cross-collateralization or release provisions.

Ready to Scale?

Let's Fund Your Next Multi-Family Deal

Submit your multi-family opportunity for a confidential review. Preliminary terms within 24-48 hours.

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