Thursday, November 16, 2006

Orlando Rental Vacancy Low

The Orlando apartment vacancy rate fell to 4.7 percent in the third quarter, a level not seen since year-end 2000, according to Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Brokerage Co.'s Orlando Apartment Research Report.

Marcus & Millichap attributes the decline to a significant inventory reduction, strong tenant demand due to job and population growth, and declining housing affordability.

Condo converters took 17,000 apartment units out of Orlando's inventory over the last 12 months, but some of these units could return to the market as rentals if the housing market keeps weakening, the report says.

Meanwhile, the area expanded by 54,000 jobs last year and will add another 34,000 jobs in 2006, a 3.2 percent increase. Courtesy Planet Realtor.

The decline in vacancy rates has allowed owners to raise rents, says Gregory Matus, regional manager of Encino, Calif.-based Marcus & Millichap's Orlando office, in a release.

Asking rents will rise 6.8 percent this year to an average of $875 per month over 2005, the report says.

The report further predicts that apartment completions will fall to 1,200 units this year, down from 2,500 units in 2005.

In addition, the report says the vacancy rate will fall 20 basis points to 4.6 percent by year-end 2006 from 4.8 percent at year-end 2005.

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