Studio City Multifamily Real Estate Market Overview
Studio City is a highly desirable neighborhood in the southeast San Fernando Valley, popular among multifamily investors seeking strong rental demand, convenient location, and a balanced lifestyle appeal.
Located just west of the Cahuenga Pass, Studio City is roughly bounded by the 101 Freeway to the south, Mulholland Drive and the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, Lankershim Boulevard to the east, and Coldwater Canyon Boulevard to the west. Ventura Boulevard serves as the main commercial artery, offering a vibrant mix of upscale dining, shopping, entertainment, and local amenities.
The neighborhood borders Sherman Oaks to the west, North Hollywood and Toluca Lake to the east, and is in close proximity to Universal City. Residents enjoy easy access to major studios (including CBS Studio Center, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Warner Bros.), hiking trails with hillside views, the Studio City Farmers Market, and cultural attractions like the Hollywood Bowl.
2025 Studio City Multifamily Market Statistics at a Glance
Studio City Annual Multifamily Apartment Building Sales Statistics*
Buildings Sold: 17
Avg. Sale Price: $2,566,265
Avg. Price/Unit: $316,489
Avg. Months to Sale: 2.7 mos
Avg. Price/SF: $287
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Studio City Multifamily Market Overview 2026
Studio City is a desirable San Fernando Valley neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles known for strong renter demand, proximity to the entertainment industry, hillside and Ventura Boulevard locations, and a more premium profile relative to many other Valley submarkets. Cap rates in the area typically range from approximately 4.5% to 5.5% (with newer or higher-quality assets often trading toward the lower end), reflecting its elevated positioning within the Valley. Price per unit commonly falls in the $300,000 to $450,000+ range, depending on building quality, unit mix, condition, vintage, and exact location.
The typical apartment building is a smaller-to-midsize 4- to 30-unit property, often garden- or courtyard-style low-rise, with a substantial portion of the older inventory subject to the City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). Buyer demand comes from high-net-worth individuals, 1031 exchange buyers, private investors, and long-term holders seeking stable assets in a high-demand Valley submarket with strong demographics and industry proximity.
Studio City Rent Control and Measure ULA
As part of the City of Los Angeles, Studio City properties are subject to the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO / LARSO). Most multi-unit buildings with certificates of occupancy dated before October 1, 1978 are covered. The allowable RSO rent increase for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 is 3% (under the updated formula of 90% of CPI with a 1% floor and 4% ceiling; utility and dependent adders have been eliminated).
Buildings not covered by the RSO may still fall under AB 1482 statewide protections (generally 5% + CPI, currently 8.7% for the Los Angeles area for increases effective August 1, 2026–July 31, 2027). Measure ULA does apply in Studio City. As a City of Los Angeles neighborhood, sales of qualifying properties (generally $5 million and above) are subject to the Measure ULA transfer tax surcharges (4% on $5M–$10M sales; 5.5% on $10M+).
How to Sell a Studio City Apartment Building
Studio City benefits from strong renter demand, desirable location appeal, and solid long-term fundamentals. However, RSO restrictions significantly impact cash flow growth and buyer underwriting for older buildings, and Measure ULA can affect net proceeds on higher-priced sales. Sellers of long-held properties must also navigate low tax basis, depreciation recapture, and potential 1031 exchange planning.
An experienced multifamily broker who understands Studio City’s position within the broader San Fernando Valley market, Los Angeles RSO rules, Measure ULA implications, and the local/1031 buyer pool can help you evaluate pricing and the optimal path to maximize your net proceeds.
Studio City Multifamily Market Statistics
Average Rent vs Vacancy Rate- Historical & Estimated
2025 Q3: Studio City, California multifamily residential unit average Rent: $2,500 Average Vacancy Rate: 5.4%
Average GRM and Cap Rate- Historical
2025: Studio City, California multifamily apartment buildings sold average GRM: 13.5, Cap Rate 4.8%Number of Multifamily Buildings Sold- Historical
2025: Studio City, California multifamily apartment buildings Sold: 17Average Price/Unit and Price/SF- Historical
2025: Studio City, California multifamily properties sold average Price/Unit Sold: $316,489 Price/SF Sold: $287Historical and estimated market statistics for the Studio City, California multifamily apartment building submarket. The graphs above show the average Price/Unit, Price/SF, GRM, Cap Rate, Rent and Vacancy for Studio City multifamily apartment buildings for the years 2020-2025. *All data has been obtained from CoStar. Jake Plewa, the Taksa Investment Group and ReMax Commercial cannot guarantee the accuracy of the data above. The graphs and statistics are for information purposes only. Disclaimer The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or investment advice. Jake Plewa, the Taksa Investment Group, and RE/MAX Commercial make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data, statistics, graphs, or market information presented. Market conditions change, and past performance is not indicative of future results. You should independently verify all information and conduct your own thorough due diligence, including consulting qualified professionals, before making any decisions related to the sale or purchase of an apartment building.
Frequently Asked Questions: Studio City Apartment Buildings
What is the typical cap rate and price per unit in Studio City?
Cap rates in Studio City generally range from approximately 4.5% to 5.5%. Price per unit commonly falls between $300,000 and $450,000+, depending on building condition, unit mix, vintage (RSO vs. newer), location, and quality. Well-positioned assets near the hills or Ventura Boulevard often command premiums.
Is Studio City under rent control?
Yes. As part of the City of Los Angeles, most multi-unit buildings built before October 1, 1978 are covered by the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The allowable increase for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 is 3%. Some buildings may instead fall under AB 1482.
Does Measure ULA apply to apartment sales in Studio City?
Yes. Measure ULA is a City of Los Angeles ordinance and applies to qualifying property sales in Studio City (and other LA City neighborhoods).
How do I sell an apartment building in Studio City?
Work with a broker who understands Studio City’s position in the San Fernando Valley, the Los Angeles RSO system, Measure ULA transfer tax implications, the local and 1031 buyer pool, and how to accurately present both in-place income and long-term upside. Precise pricing and clear communication of the regulatory framework are especially important in this market.
Best Studio City Apartment Broker
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