Boston rental market…Rents going down?

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Boston rental market…Rents going down?

• Modest Declines: The average rent in Boston fell by approximately 0.8% year-over-year as of January 2026, a decrease of about $27–$50 per month depending on the tracking source.
• Record Vacancies: Vacancy rates have reached their highest levels since the pandemic, giving renters more leverage for the first time in years.
• Neighboring Relief: Rent drops are more significant in surrounding areas; for example, Quincy fell 6.8%, Lowell 6.4%, and Somerville 6.2% year-over-year.
• Landlord Concessions: To fill units, some landlords are offering incentives such as free parking or waiving pet restrictions. 

1. Economic Jitters: A cooling biotech market and recent job layoffs in the region have reduced demand for high-end luxury units.
2. Student Shifts: Tighter international student visa restrictions and federal research funding cuts have led to unusual vacancies in student-heavy neighborhoods like Allston.
3. New Supply: The completion of nearly 8,600 new units in the past year has helped loosen a historically tight market.
4. Out-migration: More residents are leaving Massachusetts for more affordable states, particularly in the 25–44 age bracket. 

Is it a “Reset”?

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Boston rental market…Rents going down?

Boston rental market…Rents going down?

Between the months of May through September is the peak of the apartment rental season. My prediction, I think this season rents will be decreasing, and more and more landlords will be picking up the rental fees. Here are a few reasons why I think rents are heading south: I feel less and less young prof are moving into the city due to the lack of good paying jobs. College and Universities have more dorms then in previous years. Due to the economy I feel more and more young professionals are living home longer with their parents then in the past. Lastly, as I mentioned in a previous blog post I’m seeing Boston apartments becoming vacant as more and more MA jobs are lost in the recession creating even more apartment inventory then previous rental seasons.

I just spoke with one broker in Beacon Hill who informed me he has 26 apartment rentals on the Hill and very few phone calls. The agents that work under my license are telling me the same story, very few rental phone calls.

Your thoughts?

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