When considering the construction of a multifamily development, location is essential. Naturally, you want your new apartments or townhomes located where there is growing demand for rental homes and where residents will enjoy an enriched life. Your ROI depends on occupancy rates and rental prices. But it’s not just about meeting thresholds. The most profitable multifamily housing is located in neighborhoods experiencing growth.
What are the key indicators of neighborhood growth that might signal a good place for a new multifamily development? Here’s how you can tell that a neighborhood has the kind of growing demand you need.
Local Population Growth
First and foremost, population growth is always a good sign. This comes not just from young families, but also from people moving in for work and personal reasons. If your chosen region is experiencing population growth, then there is also a rising demand for housing. Many of those new adult residents will be delighted to secure a brand new multi-family home with modern amenities and a short commute to their new jobs.
Young Professional Demographics
Demographics are another useful indicator to watch. Demographics indicate age, family status, professional status, and other population indicators about the people who live in a neighborhood. When designing a new multifamily development, you likely plan to offer the homes for rent.
The best audience demographic for rental homes is young professionals. A young adult population with stable employment are the most likely to rent, and to seek out apartments rather than single-family homes. Both age distribution and job growth can point you toward a promising neighborhood for multifamily development.
Rising Rental Prices and Low Vacancy Rates
Then there are indicators in the existing rental and housing markets to consider. Rising rental prices often indicates a rise in both property values and demand for housing. If rents are going up in a neighborhood, it can mean there are not enough homes and landlords are able to charge more. Not only will you be entering a profitable multifamily housing market, but you will also be providing supply where there is excess demand for rental homes.
Vacancy rates are also a good indicator, and can provide context to the rental price index. If vacancy rates are low, then occupancy is high and more rental homes are neeeded. Inversely, vacancy rates are low and prices are going up, this can indicate that prices have become too high for the local rental population and they are renting elsewhere.
New Stores, Restaurants, and Amenities
Another good sign of neighborhood growth is the growth of local services. New stores and restaurants are a positive signal for two reasons. First, these businesses must see a rising trend in population and demand for services in the region. Second, shopping centers and restaurants provide a more desirable local lifestyle for your residents when your multifamily development is complete.
Local amenities such as parks, bike trails, plazas, and other features that boost the appeal of a region are also beneficial to build near, as they will improve resident lifestyles and often indicate that the city sees a population growth trend in the area.
Designing the Perfect Multifamily Architecture for the Neighborhood
The best multifamily developments integrate smoothly with the surrounding neighborhood. You will see the greatest reward when your new properties are not only well-placed in a growing neighborhood, but also provide residents with amenities and designs that blend perfectly with nearby neighborhood features.
At Ted Trout Architects, every property we design is unique, tailored to the region, the land, and the neighborhood features. Our goal is to create profitable properties for investors and create a living environment that residents will love. Contact us to discuss your multifamily architecture needs.
