Residential Development Feasibility Analysis

Residential Market Analysis : Key Components and Comprehensive Guide

M. Corbin Jones
April 23, 2023

Residential market analysis is a crucial tool for real estate professionals to understand the dynamics of the market and make informed investment decisions. It involves a thorough assessment of various factors that impact the demand, supply, and overall performance of the residential real estate market. In this article, we will delve into the key components of residential market analysis, including demographic trends analysis, absorption analysis, location analysis, demand analysis, supply analysis, and regression analysis.

Demographic Trends Analysis: Understanding the Population Dynamics

Demographic trends analysis is a critical component of residential market analysis as it helps in understanding the population dynamics of an area. It involves analyzing factors such as population growth, age distribution, household size, income levels, and employment trends. This analysis provides insights into the target market for residential properties, such as the preferences and needs of the population, which can guide investment decisions. For example, if the area has a growing young professional population, there may be higher demand for affordable apartments or condominiums close to employment hubs.

Absorption Analysis: Assessing the Market Demand

Absorption analysis is a crucial tool used in residential market analysis to assess the demand for properties and understand the pace at which properties are being absorbed by the market. It involves analyzing the rate at which residential properties are being sold or rented in a particular market, also known as absorption rate. This analysis provides insights into the pace at which properties are being absorbed by the market and helps in gauging the demand-supply dynamics. A high absorption rate indicates a strong demand for properties, while a low absorption rate may indicate oversupply or weaker demand. This information can help investors in determining the right timing for buying or selling properties in a particular market. Absorption rate is the rate at which properties are being sold or rented within a specific period of time, typically expressed in months.

To conduct absorption analysis, data on the number of properties sold or rented in a particular market over a given period of time is collected. This data is then analyzed to calculate the absorption rate by dividing the total number of properties sold or rented by the number of months in the period being analyzed. For example, if 100 properties were sold or rented in a market in the last 12 months, the absorption rate would be 8.33% (100 divided by 12).

The absorption rate provides insights into the demand-supply dynamics of the residential real estate market. A high absorption rate indicates a strong demand for properties, which can result in faster property turnover and potentially higher prices. On the other hand, a low absorption rate may indicate oversupply or weaker demand, which can result in properties staying on the market for longer periods of time and potentially lower prices.

Absorption analysis can also be used to assess the performance of different property types or price segments within the market. For example, by calculating the absorption rate for single-family homes, condos, or apartments separately, one can identify which property types are experiencing higher demand and which may be facing challenges. This information can guide investment decisions, such as focusing on property types with higher absorption rates or adjusting pricing strategies for properties with lower absorption rates.

Furthermore, absorption analysis can be used to track changes in the market over time. By comparing absorption rates across different time periods, one can identify trends and shifts in demand, which can help in making informed investment decisions. For example, if the absorption rate has been declining steadily over the past few months, it may signal a weakening demand and could impact pricing and marketing strategies.

In conclusion, absorption analysis is a valuable tool in residential market analysis as it provides insights into the demand for properties and the pace at which properties are being absorbed by the market. By calculating and analyzing the absorption rate, real estate professionals can better understand the dynamics of the market, make informed investment decisions, and optimize their strategies for success in the residential real estate market.

Location Analysis: Evaluating the Neighborhood and Surrounding Amenities

Location analysis is a crucial aspect of residential market analysis as it focuses on evaluating the neighborhood and surrounding amenities of a particular property. Factors such as proximity to schools, hospitals, shopping centers, transportation hubs, and recreational facilities can significantly impact the desirability and demand of a residential property. Analyzing the location also involves assessing the future development plans, infrastructure projects, and overall growth potential of the area. A favorable location with strong amenities and growth prospects can lead to higher demand and better returns on investment.Here are some key steps in using location analysis to analyze the residential real estate market:

  1. Identifying the key factors: Start by identifying the key factors that impact the desirability and demand of a residential property. These may include proximity to schools, hospitals, shopping centers, transportation hubs, recreational facilities, and other amenities that are important to the target market of buyers or renters.
  2. Gathering data: Collect data on the identified factors for the target market area. This may include information on the location of schools, hospitals, shopping centers, transportation hubs, and other amenities, as well as any future development plans or infrastructure projects in the area. You can gather data from public sources, real estate databases, and local government websites.
  3. Analyzing the data: Once you have gathered the data, analyze it to assess the impact of each factor on the desirability and demand of residential properties in the market. For example, you can use mapping tools to visualize the proximity of properties to schools, hospitals, or transportation hubs. You can also analyze the accessibility, availability, and quality of amenities in the area. This analysis can help you identify patterns and trends that may impact the demand and pricing of properties in the market.
  4. Comparing with market trends: Compare the findings from your location analysis with the overall market trends. For example, if you find that properties located close to transportation hubs or employment centers are in high demand in the target market area, but the overall market trends indicate a decline in demand for properties, it may indicate a potential opportunity for investment in properties in those desirable locations.
  5. Evaluating growth potential: Assess the growth potential of the area by analyzing any future development plans or infrastructure projects. For example, if there are plans for a new transportation hub, shopping center, or recreational facility in the area, it may indicate potential future demand for properties in that location. Evaluating the growth potential can help you make informed decisions about the long-term prospects of the residential real estate market in the area.
  6. Considering risks: Lastly, consider any risks or challenges associated with the location. For example, if the area is prone to natural disasters, has high crime rates, or lacks necessary infrastructure, it may impact the desirability and demand of properties. Assessing the risks associated with the location can help you make informed decisions about the potential risks and rewards of investing in residential properties in the market.


In summary, location analysis is a critical tool in residential market analysis as it helps in evaluating the neighborhood and surrounding amenities of a particular property, identifying trends and patterns, assessing growth potential, and considering risks. It provides valuable insights into the desirability and demand of properties in the market, helping real estate professionals make informed investment decisions.

Demand Analysis: Assessing the Buyers or Renters Preferences

Demand analysis is a key component of residential market analysis that involves understanding the preferences and needs of the buyers or renters in a particular market. This analysis includes analyzing factors such as the type of properties in demand (e.g., single-family homes, apartments, condos), the preferred size and layout of properties, amenities and features that are important to buyers or renters, and the affordability of properties in the market. This analysis helps in identifying the target market for residential properties and tailoring the investment strategy accordingly. For instance, if there is a high demand for family-friendly homes with good schools in the area, investing in single-family homes in neighborhoods with quality schools may be a wise decision. By understanding the demand drivers, real estate professionals can make informed decisions about the type of properties to invest in, the pricing strategy, and the overall positioning of the property in the market.

One of the key aspects of demand analysis is identifying the type of properties that are in demand in the market. This involves analyzing factors such as the size, layout, and features of properties that potential buyers or renters are seeking. For example, in a market with a high demand for young professionals, there may be a preference for smaller-sized apartments or condos with modern amenities such as fitness centers or co-working spaces. On the other hand, in a market with a high demand for families, larger-sized single-family homes with multiple bedrooms and spacious yards may be more desirable.

Another important factor in demand analysis is understanding the affordability of properties in the market. This involves analyzing factors such as median household income, employment trends, and financing options available to potential buyers or renters. Understanding the affordability constraints helps in determining the right pricing strategy for the properties. For instance, if the market has a higher affordability constraint, pricing properties competitively and offering favorable financing options may be crucial to attract potential buyers or renters.

Furthermore, demand analysis also involves understanding the location preferences of potential buyers or renters. Factors such as proximity to employment hubs, schools, transportation, and recreational facilities play a significant role in the desirability of a property. Analyzing the location preferences of the target market helps in identifying the areas or neighborhoods that are in high demand and aligning the investment strategy accordingly.

Market trends and consumer behavior also play a crucial role in demand analysis. Analyzing market data, such as historical sales or rental trends, time on the market, and buyer or renter feedback, helps in understanding the market dynamics and consumer preferences. This information can guide the decision-making process, such as identifying emerging trends, identifying potential niches or gaps in the market, and tailoring the marketing and sales strategy accordingly.

In summary, demand analysis is a critical component of residential market analysis that involves understanding the preferences and needs of potential buyers or renters in a particular market. By analyzing factors such as property type, affordability, location preferences, and market trends, real estate professionals can make informed decisions about the type of properties to invest in, the pricing strategy, and the overall positioning of the property in the market

Supply Analysis: Evaluating the Inventory of Properties in the Market

Supply analysis is another critical aspect of residential market analysis that involves evaluating the inventory of properties in the market. This analysis includes assessing the number of properties available for sale or rent, the average time properties stay on the market, and the pricing trends. Analyzing the supply of properties helps in understanding the competition in the market and the level of inventory that may impact the pricing and demand dynamics. For instance, a market with high inventory levels may indicate oversupply, leading to lower prices and weaker demand, while a market with limited inventory may lead to higher prices and stronger demand.Here are some key steps in using supply analysis to analyze the residential real estate market:

  1. Assess the number of properties available: Supply analysis starts with evaluating the total number of properties available for sale or rent in the market. This can be done through various sources such as Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data, real estate websites, or local market reports. The inventory can be categorized by property type (e.g., single-family homes, apartments, condos), location, and price range to get a comprehensive understanding of the supply dynamics.
  2. Evaluate the average time on market: The average time that properties stay on the market is an important indicator of supply dynamics. A shorter average time on market may indicate high demand and limited supply, while a longer average time on market may suggest oversupply or weaker demand. Analyzing the trend of average time on market over time can provide insights into the changing dynamics of supply and demand in the market.
  3. Monitor pricing trends: Pricing trends play a crucial role in assessing the supply dynamics of the residential real estate market. Analyzing the trend of listing prices, sale prices, and rent prices can provide insights into the competitiveness of the market and the level of pricing pressure. A downward trend in prices may indicate oversupply or weaker demand, while an upward trend may suggest limited supply and higher demand.
  4. Identify inventory imbalances: Supply analysis can help identify inventory imbalances in the residential real estate market. For instance, if there is an excess supply of properties in a particular price range or location, it may lead to lower prices and weaker demand. On the other hand, if there is limited supply of properties in a high-demand location or property type, it may result in higher prices and stronger demand. Identifying such imbalances can guide investment decisions and help in identifying opportunities or risks in the market.
  5. Monitor new construction activity: New construction activity is an important factor to consider in supply analysis. Monitoring the level of new residential construction activity in the market can provide insights into the future supply dynamics. For instance, if there is a significant increase in new construction permits or starts, it may indicate potential future oversupply or increased competition in the market. On the other hand, if new construction activity is slowing down, it may suggest limited future supply and higher demand.
Regression Analysis: Assessing the Relationships between Variables

Regression analysis is a statistical technique that can be used to analyze the residential real estate market by examining the relationships between different variables. In the context of residential market analysis, regression analysis can be used to identify and quantify the factors that influence the demand, supply, and pricing of properties.

For example, a regression analysis can be used to determine how changes in demographic trends, such as population growth, age distribution, or income levels, impact the demand for residential properties in a particular market. By analyzing historical data on these variables and conducting a regression analysis, real estate professionals can identify the strength and direction of the relationship between these factors and the demand for properties. This information can help in predicting future demand trends and making informed investment decisions.

Similarly, regression analysis can also be used to assess the supply dynamics of the residential real estate market. For instance, it can help in understanding how changes in construction activity, inventory levels, or pricing trends impact the supply of properties in a particular market. By analyzing historical data and conducting regression analysis, real estate professionals can identify the key drivers of supply and assess the impact of these factors on the overall market performance.

Regression analysis can also be used to study the pricing trends in the residential real estate market. By analyzing historical data on property prices and conducting regression analysis, real estate professionals can identify the factors that influence property prices, such as location, amenities, size, and market conditions. Regression analysis can help in understanding the pricing dynamics, identifying pricing trends, and predicting future price movements.

Furthermore, regression analysis can be used to study the interactions and relationships between different variables in the residential real estate market. For example, it can help in assessing how changes in demand and supply dynamics impact property prices, or how changes in demographic trends impact the supply of properties. By understanding the complex interactions between different variables, real estate professionals can gain insights into the underlying drivers of the residential real estate market and make informed investment decisions.

In summary, regression analysis is a powerful statistical technique that can be used in residential market analysis to analyze the relationships between different variables, such as demand, supply, pricing, and demographic trends. It provides valuable insights into the dynamics of the residential real estate market and helps in making informed investment decisions based on data-driven analysis.

In conclusion, conducting a comprehensive residential market analysis is crucial for informed decision-making in asset management. Various factors such as demographic trends analysis, absorption analysis, location analysis, demand analysis, supply analysis, and regression analysis all play a significant role in understanding the dynamics of the residential real estate market. Demographic trends analysis helps identify the target market and their preferences, while absorption analysis provides insights into the rate at which properties are being absorbed by the market. Location analysis considers factors such as proximity to amenities, transportation, and employment opportunities. Demand analysis assesses the demand for housing in a particular market, while supply analysis looks at the availability of housing units. Regression analysis uses statistical techniques to identify key variables that impact the market. By carefully analyzing these factors, asset managers can make informed decisions, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks, ultimately leading to successful asset management strategies in the residential real estate market.