In our sixth survey of the Boston rental housing market released today featured on the front page of today's Boston Globe we find in the face of well documented MA Population declines the apartment market is stronger than any time in the last five years with rents up 3.6%, occupancies up 1% and absorption of vacant units up 480% over last year’s pace. Nearly $20 billion dollars worth of apartment construction is underway with 9,825 apartment units throughout greater Boston. An equal amount of activity scheduled for next year. The recent increase in rents brings them back to the level last reached in 2002. Tom Meagher, president of Northeast Apartment Advisors (above left) said “when adjustied for inflation, rents are still well below 2002 levels. However, the improvement in the market and increased level of production is good news for the Massachusetts economy as it will help to stabilize housing costs in the state that have been responsible for much of the state’s recent population loss.”

The report is packed with actionable information gleaned from our survey and analysis of 86,000 occupied units, 49,000 units in development, 6,800 units currently in lease-up and 6,100 units under construction. We report rents, concessions, occupancies and "same store" metrics for twenty seven different sub markets that comprise the Boston Metro. Written analysis is supported by undreds of tables, maps and charts to provide a complete understanding of current market conditions, In depth analysis of demographic and economic factors affecting the apartment market including job growth projections provide support to real estate investmentand financing decisions.