Because of the construction boom of the early 1970’s both private industry and Government have had an urgent need for information on the nature of the dem and for rental housing. For over thirty years, The Survey of Market Absorption (SOMA)  has continued to measure how soon privately financed, nonsubsidized, unfurnished units in buildings with five or more units are rented or sold (absorbed) after completion. The 2010 Characteristics Report provides details about units constructed in 2010, yet not necessarily absorbed, such as  number of bedrooms, asking rent, and asking price. This publication is of a great value to builders, bankers, market analysts, land planners, and Government officials trying to measure the needs for Federal, State and local assistance in providing better housing for everyone.