Harbor Group International and CBRE Complete $740 Million Multifamily Acquisition in New England

Harbor Group International and CBRE's Recent Acquisition

In a significant move within the real estate market, Harbor Group International, LLC (HGI) and CBRE Investment Management have jointly announced the closure of a substantial acquisition in New England. The transaction, valued at $740 million, encompasses five multifamily properties, totaling 2,719 units. This acquisition stands as one of the largest multifamily trades in the region this year, underscoring the robust demand for rental housing in Greater Boston.

With this portfolio, HGI and CBRE aim to leverage the strong fundamentals associated with the New England multifamily market. According to Yisroel Berg, HGI’s Chief Investment Officer of Multifamily, the region consistently showcases some of the strongest multifamily metrics in the country. He remarks on the partnership with CBRE, expressing optimism for implementing a value-add strategy that enhances value for both investors and residents while maintaining high occupancy rates that initially made the portfolio appealing.

The Strategy Behind the Acquisition

Matt Tepper, the Head of Americas, Indirect Real Estate Strategies at CBRE Investment Management, acknowledged that this acquisition aligns with their strategic goal of investing in quality multifamily assets situated in markets anchored by solid demand drivers. Through the collaboration with HGI, Tepper emphasized the potential to unlock further value via strategic asset management, thereby ensuring tenants across Greater Boston receive desirable housing options.

The properties involved in this acquisition reflect the ongoing trend of strong performance in multifamily dwellings, a testament to the stability and growth in the regional housing market. Expanding on this point, HGI now manages over 3,600 units in the Boston area, and year-to-date in 2025, the firm has engaged in approximately $2.2 billion worth of multifamily acquisitions, indicating robust momentum in their acquisition strategies.

Harbor Group International's Market Position

Harbor Group International isn't new to the scene. With a vast investment portfolio estimated at $21 billion, HGI operates 62,000 apartment units across the United States, along with significant commercial real estate holdings totaling 5.0 million square feet throughout the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The firm maintains a notable presence with offices located in key cities including Norfolk, Virginia, New York, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Tel Aviv.

This recent acquisition highlights HGI’s commitment to strengthening its foothold in the market and enhancing its operational capabilities in the multifamily sector. The partnership with CBRE further solidifies HGI’s strategy of focusing on high-quality, attainable multifamily investments that cater to a wide range of residents.

Looking Ahead

As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, HGI and CBRE's acquisition will undoubtedly reshape the dynamics of multifamily housing options within New England. The strategy to augment value while maintaining high occupancy rates showcases a forward-thinking approach tailored to meet the demands of a diversifying population. With the strength of the New England market as a backdrop, both firms are well-positioned to thrive in the coming years.

In conclusion, the collaborative effort between Harbor Group International and CBRE Investment Management marks an important milestone in multifamily investment in the region, highlighting the ongoing transformation and vitality of the rental housing market in New England.