High-income renters are now the fastest-growing segment of the housing population, according to a study by Apartment List.
The number of households who earn six-figures and choose to rent has grown 48% over the past decade, the study found. Multi-family construction has quadrupled since 2010 and now exceeds pre-recession levels, with most of the activity on the high end.
Many high-earners increasingly value the flexibility of renting and want to live close to high-paying jobs in city centers. Many high earners are locked out of home ownership by the high cost of purchasing a home while managing student loan debt and stricter lending standards.
The rise of high-income renters has been most dramatic in mid-size, growing metropolitan areas, particularly Denver, Austin, and Oklahoma City. Growth in this category has been slower in the largest and most expensive markets, including New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Related Stories
Steel Buildings | Apr 4, 2016
AISI publishes Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide, 2016 Edition
Updates 2007 edition; includes five comprehensive design examples.
Data Centers | Apr 1, 2016
ASHRAE releases publication on the impact of IT equipment on data center design
The book offers advice for designing structures in the fast-changing data center industry.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2016
Occupant egress simulations that impact codes fall short, researchers say
Building evacuations in emergencies are too dangerous as a result.
School Construction | Mar 28, 2016
National report on school buildings reports $46 billion annual funding shortfall
Millions of students said to be learning in obsolete facilities.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2016
ASHRAE grants fund human thermal comfort database project
Aim is to help better understand thermal comfort in residential and commercial buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2016
OSHA finalizes new silica dust regulations
Construction industry has until June 2017 to comply.
Wood | Mar 23, 2016
APA updates Engineered Wood Construction Guide
Provides recommendations on engineered wood construction systems.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2016
Affordable housing advocates differ on micro-apartment policy
New York’s luxury micro units could be first step to developing affordable units.
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2016
GRESB launches Health and Well-being Module for real estate industry
Optional supplement to environmental, social, and governance assessment.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2016
U.S. Supreme Court lets San Jose affordable housing law stand
Law attempts to alleviate Silicon Valley’s high housing costs.