The Survey of Market Absorption (SOMA) measures how soon privately financed, nonsubsidized, unfurnished units in buildings with  five or more  units are rented or sold (absorbed) after completion. In addition, the survey collects data on characteristics such as number o f bedrooms, asking  rent, and asking price.

The estimates in this report are based on responses from a sample of the population. As with all surveys, estimates vary from a ctual values  because of sampling variation or other factors. All comparisons made in this report have undergone statistical testing and are  significant at the 90- percent confidence level.

The Annual Report is produced at the end of the first quarter of the current year and details absorption information for all pr ivately financed,  nonsubsidized, unfurnished units in buildings with five or more units from the previous year. Every five years, a comprehensive  report is produced  that includes ten (10) additional tables. These additional tables also provide historical data restricted to privately financed , nonsubsidized,  unfurnished rental apartments and condominium/cooperative units.

Quarterly Reports are also produced and released three months after the end of the absorption quarter. For example, units compl eted/constructed  in the First Quarter (January, February, and March) will have their initial absorptions recorded in the Second Quarter (April,  May, and June). In July  and August, the data are analyzed and a report is released to the public the first week of September. For additional informatio n, see Sample  Design.