Back in the Fall, there were studies that tracked rental & sale pricing that put Boston just behind LA & NY for purchase & rental home pricing. This new study by Rentometer – https://www.rentometer.com/rentometer-national-single-family-rentals-report-insights-and-trends-for-2024 – keeps Boston in the top 5 of 1 family rentals. The article I picked it out of is here: https://bostonagentmagazine.com/2025/01/24/boston-is-one-of-the-most-expensive-cities-for-single-family-rentals/?
Boston has always been higher cost than the surrounding areas. Metrowest & the North Shore trail right behind. The best value comparing apples to apples is the South Shore. During Covid, people looking to move from Boston discovered that & prices skyrocketed south of Boston too, though still lagging more Metro areas. The survey pins the continuing increase in rental pricing to the powerful position of Boston in Medical & Educational fields.
The best thing you can do is prepare a plan for a move. Know the areas you like & common rents for the size rental you want. Manage your credit score(Most every Landlord checks credit) & save, Save, SAVE. Typically, Landlords want first month’s rent, last month’s rent & security deposit, all usually one month’s rent. If you want a tenant’s agent to represent you & manage the transaction, that’s usually about another month’s rent, but is negotiable. That means for a $3K rental, the tenant might need a hefty $12K at lease signing in the Boston Area Market.
I specialize in representing Landlords. A tenant deserves the same protection & service from a tenant’s rep. Ask local Realtors & interview a bunch to find someone you like & can work with. A good tip? If they take the time to get to know you, really know your goals, you probably have a good one. If they’re selling you on places without knowing who you are or what you want, keep looking.
Most importantly, Have Fun!
Lew McConkey,
Brook Realty, Serving Whitman Hanson & Surrounding Towns
(781)252-9789
If you have questions about your place in the current Real Estate market, as a buyer, seller or Landlord,
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