
The East Bay Multifamily Market—spanning Alameda and Contra Costa counties—is being shaped by shifting demand between urban and suburban areas, rising development costs, and evolving tenant preferences. While rental trends and new projects reflect a growing desire for tech-enabled amenities, outdoor spaces, and adaptable unit layouts, developers are also navigating economic volatility and financing constraints by exploring creative capital structures and a mix of ground-up and conversion projects. Affordable housing remains a central focus, with equitable distribution across cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and San Leandro essential to meet rising needs. Policy changes, zoning updates, and proximity to transit and job hubs are influencing where capital is being deployed, and despite ongoing challenges, the region’s resilience is underpinned by strategic adaptation and sustained demand.