WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 6, 2006 - Real Estate Investment Brokerage Company, the nation's largest real estate investment brokerage firm, recently released its National Apartment Research Report for 2006, which indicates the Washington, D.C., apartment market will benefit from increased employment opportunities and strong in-migration.

Also included in the report is the firm's annual National Apartment Index (NAI), a snapshot analysis that ranks 42 apartment markets based on a series of 12-month forward-looking supply and demand indicators. Washington, D.C., dips four places this year to No. 10.

"Fundamentals in the Washington, D.C., apartment market will remain strong in 2006," comments Charles Blessing, regional manager of 's Washington, D.C., office. "Robust job growth and consistent population gains will keep vacancy low this year and allow owners to achieve gains in gross revenue."

Following are some of the most significant aspects of the Washington, D.C., Apartment Research Report:
 

• Despite an increase in the vacancy rate, it will remain relatively low in 2006.
  
  As a result, the average asking rent will increase 2.8 percent to $1,229 per month, while effective rents are projected to advance 2.7 percent to $1,167 per month.

• A surge in completions, assuming all the units are delivered this year, will lift vacancy 30 basis points to 4.8 percent in 2006.
  
  Stock reductions and steady demand will reduce the vacancy rate in the Rockville submarket 90 basis points to 5.3 percent this year.

• Washington, D.C., employers will add 82,000 jobs in 2006.
  
  Gains will be recorded in the information sector, with 6,000 new jobs, and in office-using employment industries, where 40,000 positions are forecast. Both sectors should support demand for luxury apartments.

•  Approximately 8,100 units are expected to be delivered this year, compared with 6,000 units in 2005.
  
  Rising costs for construction materials and labor, however, could slow the pace of deliveries, pushing some projects into 2007.

• Investors should look at assets in the suburban Silver Spring area, where more than 1,500 new households are projected in each of the next five years.
  Cap rates range from 6 percent to 7 percent, and vacancy is typically in the low-4 percent range.