(Read more on the debt and equity markets andthe multifamilymarket .)

DALLAS-If expert predictions hold up, the multifamily market ispoised for unprecedented gains despite the financial markets'turmoil. The cautionary note to the sector's good news is dealswill take longer to close due to tougher lending requirements.

“This could be the beginning of our finest days,” DouglasChesnut, senior vice president of investments for Atlanta-basedGables Residential, told a roomful of investors, brokers anddevelopers at yesterday's fifth annual Cushman & Wakefield ofTexas Inc. Market Vision, held in Prestonwood Country Club at 15909Preston Rd. in North Dallas. He and other market experts agreedthat the subprime debacle is turning out to be a windfall for themultifamily sector, where fundamentals are skyrocketing as morerenters emerge. Construction is in check; equity is plentiful; andoccupancies and rents are rising now that the brakes are on forfast-paced single-family home buying.