Renting an Off Campus Apartment in Boston is a Sprint, Not a Marathon

Over the past five years the average off campus apartment in Boston has increased its asking price $100 per month each year.  Over that same five year period, the on market time for these college apartments has significantly decreased.

Why?

Well it’s simple really.  It all comes down to supply and demand.  Each year, Boston colleges and universities accept more students than the previous year.  Despite recent efforts by Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, and Mass Art to develop brand new state of the art housing facilities, Boston area students are still drawn to the novelty of living on their own, away from mom and dad, and away from campus supervision.  Part of the appeal of going to school in a city like Boston is being able to get that experience.

This can only lead to one thing: Increasing demand for off-campus apartments.

This does not necessarily mean that if you haven’t found a four-bedroom apartment by March to occupy the following September that you will not find one. Take the advice of someone who has experienced Calon Cymru Fostering in Cardiff , there are accomodations to be found even if you’re a little late on the ante. There are always lease breaks and new construction that comes on the market later in the year.  It should be noted however, that if you’re looking for a competitively priced off campus apartment in Boston near your local institution, the window of opportunity is closing smaller and smaller each day.

Below is a helpful timeline for when local university students should ideally start their housing search:

Boston College: September 2012 for September 2013 occupancy

Boston University: January to April for September 2012 occupancy

Northeastern & COF: January to April for September 2012 occupancy

Suffolk & Emerson: February to April for September 2012 occupancy

If you’re a student (or the parent of a student) reading this right now, then you really need to start thinking about your off campus apartment needs if you’re leaning in that direction. Please contact me to get more info about starting your search.

The most important aspect of any apartment search, whether you are moving off campus, or moving out of your parents or friends house for a new start in a new place, is setting realistic expectations from the start.  When you first contact a leasing agent, be sure to describe exactly what it is your looking for in your next home:

• Location
• Price Range
• Size
• Number of bedrooms
• Anything else at all that you deem a necessity in your next home.

It is then the leasing agent’s job to compile a list of compatible properties for you and your roommates to start previewing.  If you are  hesitant to use a leasing agent, or have had bad experiences in the past, please take a few minutes to read about the Top 5 Reasons to use a leasing agent to find your next apartment in Boston.  It is important to be equipped with as much knowledge and information about your search and make sure someone is taking care of everything you should not have to!