Condo Rental Market: Stability and Growth in 2024

The condo rental market in 2024 has demonstrated remarkable stability, with demand improving steadily amidst an economic recovery. Despite a 7.5% drop in transactions in October, rents remained firm, reflecting the resilience of the market. This article explores the factors driving this stability and the potential for growth in the coming years.

The stability in the condo rental market can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the Core Central Region (CCR) has witnessed a growing interest in luxury and premium housing, with the market share rising to 32.2% in October 2024 from 30.9% in May 2024. Tenants are seeking better amenities, prime locations, and narrowing cost differences with other segments, driving demand for higher-end properties.



Secondly, easing interest rates have taken some pressure off landlords, allowing them to maintain asking rents despite increased completions of condo units. Lower interest rates reduce landlords' financing costs, enabling them to maintain rental income without passing on higher costs to tenants. This, coupled with the narrowing cost differences with other segments, contributes to landlords' willingness to maintain rents.

The affordability of condo rentals compared to other housing segments has also played a role in the market's stability. While purpose-built rentals saw a 12.8% increase in rent growth in 2023, condo rents remained relatively more affordable. This affordability, coupled with a greater balance between rent growth and wage growth, reinforces healthy turnover rates and contributes to the market's stability.

However, the increased apartment availability in major cities has led to a slowdown in rent growth, with the national median rent slightly lower than a year ago. This can be attributed to a historic multifamily construction boom, with over one million new multifamily apartment units under construction in 2023. However, as demand for downtown and midtown apartments rebounds, the rental market may stabilize, with the return of renters to urban centers potentially offsetting the impact of increased apartment availability.

In conclusion, the condo rental market in 2024 has shown remarkable stability, driven by factors such as the increasing interest in luxury and premium housing, the impact of interest rates on landlords' decisions, and the affordability of condo rentals compared to other segments. While increased apartment availability in major cities has led to a slowdown in rent growth, the market is expected to stabilize as demand for downtown and midtown apartments rebounds. As the market continues to evolve, investors and property managers must adapt their strategies to cater to the changing preferences of tenants and capitalize on emerging opportunities.