Sam Landy, president and CEO of UMH Properties, Inc. (NYSE: UMH) (TASE: UMH), sat down for a video interview during Nareit’s REITweek: 2025 Investor Conference in New York City June 2-5.
Landy noted that UMH is back on track with its business plan, focusing on 5% rent increases and adding 800 rental units. Sales are strong, with $4 million reported in April and an equally strong backlog, indicating growing customer demand.
A key contributor to success is the team’s improved ability to sell homes. Looking forward, UMH sees major impact from its Opportunity Zone Fund, pending legislative changes, and joint venture developments like its new community with Nuveen in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania.
The REIT has also refinanced long-held properties, unlocking capital for reinvestment. Geographically, UMH’s strategy aligns with energy and economic growth areas like the Marcellus and Utica shale regions, where infrastructure and demographic shifts are driving housing demand. UMH is expanding in the Southeast, leveraging logistics trends tied to the Panama Canal expansion.
Even in areas with slower growth like Western New York, the UMH affordable housing model remains successful due to product appeal, Landy said.