According to the latest numbers from Dallas-based apartment data provider Axiometrics, multifamily owners are in a frenzy to bring new units to market. This is proven by the number of new permits that have been awarded in major metropolitan areas in the trailing 12 months ending in April 2012. All told, more than 66,000 new units have been approved in just 10 of the leading apartment markets. Here's a rundown of the 10 cities with the busiest drawing boards:
| Top 10 Cities for Multifamily Permits | |
| Metro Area | New Units Planned |
| New York | 11,736 |
| Houston | 9,568 |
| Dallas | 8,554 |
| Los Angeles | 7,301 |
| Austin | 7,151 |
| Washington, D.C. | 6,660 |
| Seattle | 5,108 |
| Boston | 3,799 |
| Atlanta | 3,543 |
| Chicago | 3,428 |
