Interesting topic that is being brought up more and more: Will the apartment market become saturated as 9,000+ units are built over the next few years? The short answer is Yes… but not as much as people think. Of course whenever the supply begins to catch up with the demand, prices will start to level out. However, most units being built in/around Boston are targeting the higher end of Boston’s market. An example is the Seaport’s Waterside Place where 2-bedrooms are renting for $4,000/mo. Most new developments (that have enough unit volume to effect the market) are full service buildings in Grade-A locations. These higher end rentals will see more direct competition… but this will also make conventional apartment housing more desirable. Thereby keeping those prices stable.

Another side to the coin of an increase in new construction inventory is the increased desire for people to stay in Boston. A lot of these new buildings are also designed to make their respective location an entertainment hub (i.e. Seaport & Assembly Row). This “hub” design is in line with Mayor Marty Walsh’s plans to retain talent from local Universities by keeping restaurants/bars/T-service open later. The focus on retention will help keep demand high as local grads decide to stay in Boston instead of opting for NYC or Chicago.

Overall, I expect a market shift from the influx of new inventory — but I do not think it will have as drastic an impact as some.