Will Continued Development, Affordability Challenges Derail Boston’s Rent Momentum?

Apartment development activity in Boston has remained persistently elevated by local standards throughout the current economic cycle. However, Boston is also one market where seasonality plays a big role in absorption numbers from one quarter to the next. So far, demand during the strong seasons has been enough to absorb new supply and keep rent growth at solid levels in Boston. But as construction continues and affordability challenges come into view, how long can the nation’s seventh-priciest metro maintain its rent growth momentum? MPF Research economists discuss the Boston apartment market in the latest edition of Apartment Market Dynamics.