Looking at factors like the average number of years residents live in their homes, the number of homes decreasing in value, the average number of days homes are on the market, and a few other factors you can see what towns have a healthy market. Some of the healthiest markets nearest Boston include Needham, Milton, and Brookline. Unfortunately our best markets require a bigger part of a buyer’s income than the national average.

Rents in Greater Boston went up at a much slower pace, while the vacancy rate among apartments hit highs. Buildings are set to open around the city putting more pressure on landlords, some of whom are already offering incentives like a free month or two, to keep rent increases in check.

The average apartment in Greater Boston rented for over $2,000 a month. But the average rent went up less then from a year prior, the slowest annual growth rate in Greater Boston in years and the vacancy rate went up. You can thank supply and demand.
Thousands of housing units, the majority being high-end apartments have come on the market in Boston in the last few years, with thousands more in neighboring communities. While many of the new buildings are asking big rents like $2,500 for a studio in the South End, only so many tenants can pay that kind of money. So more buildings are covering upfront costs such as broker’s fees and security deposits. That lowers their costs to tenants and forces owners of older buildings to do the same to compete.

The big new buildings have to adjust to attract more average renters. Prices are still climbing fast in more-affordable neighborhoods such as East Boston, Charlestown, and in nearby suburbs such as Medford, where renters who are priced out of Cambridge and Somerville are looking for cheaper accommodations.