UDR Transfers Interest in 7,059 Apartment Homes

Renters in the affected communities will experience no change in daily management despite the new joint venture.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Apartments

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UDR has launched a $2 billion joint venture with Apollo, transferring a majority stake in 19 apartment communities while retaining operational management control. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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UDR and Apollo have launched a $2 billion joint venture involving 19 apartment communities across the country. The partnership grants Apollo a two-thirds stake in the portfolio of 7,059 homes, while UDR retains a one-third interest and will continue to manage the properties.

Why it matters

This deal shifts majority ownership of over 7,000 existing apartment homes to a new investor group, highlighting how management and ownership can separate in large rental portfolios. Residents will see no change in day-to-day operations as UDR remains the property manager.

The transaction values 7,059 apartment homes at $2 billion, with an implied capitalization rate of approximately 6 percent. These 19 communities have an average age of 39 years, reflecting a long-term investment strategy for existing rental stock.

The players

UDR

A national real estate investment trust that develops, operates, and manages multifamily apartment communities across the United States.

Apollo

A global alternative asset manager that provides equity capital for large-scale real estate portfolios and business ventures.

The details

Under this agreement, UDR contributes its existing apartment portfolio to a newly formed joint venture with Apollo. Apollo funds provided $1.34 billion in equity to secure their majority stake, while UDR continues its role as the building operator. This structure allows the property manager to retain operational control while shifting a significant portion of the capital ownership.

Timeline

  1. October 21, 2026: The joint venture was formally established.

  2. Fifth anniversary of closing: UDR gains the option to repurchase the interest.

The Home Front

This transaction reflects broader market trends in commercial real estate where capital is reallocated through joint ventures rather than outright asset sales. The deal aligns with current investment shifts in the apartment sector where managers offload equity while maintaining operational control.

Tenants in these UDR-managed communities should see no interruption in service, as management duties remain unchanged under the new ownership structure. If you are a renter, you can always confirm your property manager through your lease agreement or by checking the building office portal.

The takeaway

This partnership shifts capital ownership for thousands of apartment homes while keeping property management consistent. Renters should keep their original lease documentation on file and contact their current building manager for any service-related questions.

What happens next

UDR has the option to repurchase the interest at a 7 percent to 7.5 percent return beginning on the fifth anniversary of the closing.

Further reading

For more context on how ownership shifts impact the rental market, read our guide on Apartments.

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Do you believe large corporate joint ventures generally improve the management of rental properties?