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Move-In Rents Split by Class in 2026: Class A Up 1.9%, Class C Down 2%
Short answer: RealPage data shows stabilized upscale apartments gaining move-in pricing power while Class C rents fall and Sun Belt markets stay flat or negative. Per RealPage data reported by Greg Willett, move-in lease annual rent growth averaged 1.9% for upper-tier stabilized properties, versus flat pricing for Class B and roughly 2% year-over-year cuts for Class C. Sources: [1] [2]
How do rents differ by apartment class?
Per RealPage data reported by Greg Willett, move-in lease annual rent growth averaged 1.9% for upper-tier stabilized properties, versus flat pricing for Class B and roughly 2% year-over-year cuts for Class C.
Which regions are weakest?
Flat rents or price cuts are the norm in Sun Belt and Mountain-Desert markets that added the most supply, while coastal and Midwest metros are realizing move-in rent growth close to long-term norms. RealPage's Q3 update likewise shows the South as the only region with annual rent cuts.
What is the outlook for late 2026?
Willett expects late-2026 pricing to compare favorably with late 2025, when RealPage recorded average price cuts of 2.3% from August to December as job growth stalled.
Frequently asked questions
Are Class A or Class C apartment rents performing better?
Per RealPage data reported by Greg Willett, move-in lease annual rent growth averaged 1.9% for upper-tier stabilized properties, versus flat pricing for Class B and roughly 2% year-over-year cuts for Class C.
Which regions have the weakest rents?
Flat rents or price cuts are the norm in Sun Belt and Mountain-Desert markets that added the most supply, while coastal and Midwest metros are realizing move-in rent growth close to long-term norms. RealPage's Q3 update likewise shows the South as the only region with annual rent cuts.
What is the rent outlook for late 2026?
Willett expects late-2026 pricing to compare favorably with late 2025, when RealPage recorded average price cuts of 2.3% from August to December as job growth stalled.
Where do these figures come from?
Every figure is attributed in the text and linked in the numbered Sources list (2 sources, with publication dates where available). Vendor figures are labeled vendor-reported.