That's according to Commercial Realty Resources Co., multifamily property brokerage based in Norman. CRRC's midyear apartment report said that 2012 will be a “benchmark year” for core apartment properties in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Recovery in the multifamily investment market is “entering a new phase,” the culmination of a decade-long downward trend in vacancies and recently renewed strong investor interest, according to the report, compiled by broker-owner Mike Buhl in CRRC's Norman office and broker Darla Knight in Tulsa.

“While underlying apartment fundamentals have been good, historic low interest rates have been better and have created a rare window of opportunity for some sellers,” Buhl said. “Furthermore, the unbalance in supply and demand, coupled with a very low interest rate environment, is fueling the next building boom in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, something that is now in the beginning stages.”

Investment sales improved the first half of the year no matter how defined:

In Oklahoma City, CRRC recorded 8 percent more apartment property sales through June compared with the first six months of 2011, with an average price per unit 180 percent higher, total number of units sold 36 percent higher and total value of properties sold 282 percent higher.