Chicago's Real Estate Secrets: Why Investors Are Coming Back (2026 Market Forecast) EUBA

The 2026 Edgewater Uptown Builders Association (EUBA) annual forecast brought together four Chicago real estate insiders spanning across development, property management, leasing, and sales, for a candid conversation about where the market is headed — and why Chicago might finally be having its moment. Key takeaways: No supply = rent growth. Downtown delivered just 145 units in 2025. Class A rents are up ~9% YoY, Class B up 7.5%. The neighborhood market is following suit. The ripple effect is real. Renters priced out of the West Loop are moving to Old Town, then Lincoln Park, then Edgewater/Uptown — creating demand across the board. Chicago vs. the Sunbelt. Markets like Nashville and Austin are seeing rent declines while Chicago rents climb. Investors who fled are coming back. Affordability isn't as bad as the headlines suggest. At Chicago's minimum wage, a two-income household can find a 2BR for ~$2,000/month in viable neighborhoods. Biggest risks ahead: Rising expenses squeezing NOI, potential rent control legislation in Springfield, and a wave of adaptive reuse supply possibly hitting in 2027–2028. Featuring Ron Devries (Integra Realty Resources), Joe Root (East Superior Real Estate Partners), Tyson Schutz (Apartment Source), and Joe Smazal (Interra Realty). Hosted by Ron Abrams (Silver Property Group).