Real estate loans for multi-family properties led all commercial and multi-family loan originations in 2012 according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).  Commercial and multi-family loan originations totaled $244.2 billion for the year of which $103.2 billion was for multi-family properties.  The year's total of all loans was an increase of 33 percent from 2011.

Multi-family loan originations were followed in dollar volume by originations for retail properties, office buildings, and then industrial properties. Hotel/motel and health care had the lowest level of originations.

Among investor types, loans originated for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA collectively totaled $77.6 billion and were the most active investor group.  Commercial banks and savings institutions were second with $59.9 billion. 

 "The commercial and multifamily mortgage market saw solid growth during 2012," said Jamie Woodwell, MBA's Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Research.  "The multifamily market continued to be a major driver of activity, and nearly every investor group increased their activity from the year before.  With a continuation of low interest rates and improving property markets, originations are on track for continued growth this year."