New rules on micro apartments set by the Seattle City Council last fall are receiving some of the blame for higher rents—as much as 72% higher—in the city.
The new rule says that efficiency-style apartments have to measure at least 220 sf. Seattle’s city planner recently said that the council’s new rules have made small apartments more expensive to build and charged the board with “overreaching” and not giving micro-housing “a fair shake,” according to the Puget Sound Business Journal.
Before the rule, micro-apartments were gaining popularity especially among young renters. From 2007 through 2014, about 3,600 of units with less area than the new rule allows were built in Seattle with rents running in the $600-to-$800 range.
The city is working to develop new policies to encourage more affordable housing. In September, the mayor appointed a 28-member citizens' committee to come up with new policies.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Jun 25, 2019
Historic New York hospital becomes multifamily development
CetraRuddy designed the project and Delshah Capital is the developer.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 25, 2019
New Joint Center housing report foresees steady rental demand over the next decade
However, supply shortages, especially on the affordable end, are likely to push rents even higher.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 17, 2019
Boston multifamily development combines a historic warehouse with a new, modern addition
The Architectural Team designed the project.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 4, 2019
New Silver Spring apartment community includes over 5,000 sf of amenity space
Design Collective is the project’s architect.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 3, 2019
11 trends in senior living
Style, flexibility, and fun highlight the latest design trends for the 55+ market.
Multifamily Housing | May 29, 2019
Grilled to order: The art of outdoor kitchens
Seven tips for ensuring outdoor kitchens deliver safe, memorable experiences for residents and guests.
Multifamily Housing | May 17, 2019
At last, downtown Dallas tower to get $450 million redo
The landmark tower has been vacant for a decade.
Multifamily Housing | May 8, 2019
Multifamily visionary: AvalonBay’s relentless attention to detail
The nation's fourth-largest owner of apartments holds more than 85,000 apartments in 291 communities.
| Apr 28, 2019
New York Is NOT Most Expensive City for Apartment Sales Transactions
Data from Marcus & Millichap 2019 U.S. Multifamily Investment Forecast on Average Price/Dwelling Unit in apartment transactions.
