BackTrust Commercial

For Property Owners

Selling a 20-Unit Apartment Building

A 20-unit building is a significant asset — often an owner's largest investment. Buyers at this size are typically experienced private investors or small funds, and they'll expect solid financial records.

Get a Confidential Property Review →
  • Confidential
  • No obligation
  • Free property review

We regularly review 20-unit buildings across Texas and can discuss both conventional and creative sale structures, including seller financing.

What changes at 20 units

At this size, many buyers use agency or bank financing that requires detailed documentation and property inspections. Clean rent rolls, operating statements and records of capital improvements make the process smoother and can support stronger terms.

Twenty units can also support on-site or part-time staff, so buyers will look closely at payroll, management contracts and operating efficiency.

How multifamily valuation works

Most buyers start with net operating income (NOI): rent and other income collected, minus operating costs such as taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and management. They divide NOI by a capitalization rate that reflects the market and the property's risk. For example, $100,000 of NOI at a 7.5% cap rate suggests a value around $1.33 million. Recent comparable sales, condition and upside then refine the number.

What buyers look at

  • Two to three years of operating history
  • Rent roll and lease expirations
  • Payroll and management costs
  • Capital improvements completed
  • Unit mix and renovation status
  • Debt that could be assumed

Private sale vs. listing

Private (off-market) sale

No public marketing, fewer showings, tenants undisturbed, flexible timing and terms. Less buyer exposure.

Broker listing

Wider exposure to buyers and competitive offers. Public marketing, more showings, commissions and a longer process.

Neither is right for everyone. We'll tell you honestly which we think fits your goals.

Common reasons owners sell

  • • Retirement or wanting less day-to-day management
  • • Partnership or family ownership changes
  • • An inherited property
  • • Deferred maintenance or rising costs
  • • Freeing up capital for another investment

What Happens Next?

  1. 01

    Tell us about your property

  2. 02

    We review the information

  3. 03

    We discuss your goals

  4. 04

    We explore potential options

  5. 05

    You decide whether to move forward

Frequently asked questions

Your information is confidential. We will not publicly market your property without your permission.

Ready to explore your options?

Tell us about the property. It takes about 5 minutes, and there's no obligation to sell.

  • Confidential
  • No obligation
  • Free property review

Helpful guides