Joint Venture (JV)

A joint venture is a deal-specific partnership between two or more parties — typically an operator/sponsor and a capital partner. More customized than a syndication.

What it means in practice

JV structures vary widely: 50/50 partnerships, operator-heavy splits, capital-heavy splits, co-investment arrangements. Unlike syndications (which raise from many passive LPs), JVs typically involve one or a few institutional-grade partners with negotiated terms.

Why it matters for LA multifamily

LA multifamily JVs are common on larger deals ($15M+) where a local operator partners with institutional capital. The operator brings market knowledge and execution; the capital partner brings liquidity and underwriting infrastructure.

Related terms


From the Sterman LA Multifamily Glossary — defined the way a broker with $1.41 billion across 254 closed transactions actually uses these terms.

Michael Sterman, Senior Managing Director Investments, Marcus & Millichap.

Thinking about selling? Get a no-obligation evaluation from a broker with $1.41 billion across 254 closed LA multifamily transactions.

Request Free Evaluation →