A vibrant multi-family housing area in Columbia, South Carolina, highlighting modern living spaces.
Columbia, South Carolina, is experiencing a surge in rental prices and a growing demand for workforce housing, driving the development of the multi-family market. With over 51,000 units reported and a 90.53% occupancy rate, the area is witnessing significant construction activity. North Richland County leads the inventory with 19,000+ units. A new $46 million project aims to address affordable housing needs, highlighting positive developments amidst rental challenges. This shift promotes multi-family living options for residents and the construction of new projects to meet future housing demands.
Welcome to Columbia, South Carolina! It’s a busy time in the city as rental prices and housing costs are on the upswing. The latest updates reveal an interesting trend: The demand for workforce housing is the driving force behind growth in the multi-family market. As of December 23, 2024, the Columbia area is seeing a notable shift in its housing landscape that is capturing the attention of both residents and investors alike.
Despite ongoing demand for homes, the number of new permits for single-family houses is trailing behind recent highs. This comes as surprising news, especially given how eager people are for housing solutions. One key takeaway from this situation is that the multi-family market is holding its ground, thanks in part to the increasing number of working families and individuals looking for affordable options.
According to the latest Colliers market report, Columbia’s multi-family housing inventory reached an impressive 51,935 units by the third quarter of 2024. It is noteworthy that the current occupancy rate has hit a solid 90.53%, indicating that many of these units are being filled quickly. With the submarkets such as East Columbia and North Richland County prospering due to significant industrial job growth, there’s a noticeable increase in construction and demand for rental properties.
In this busy housing market, North Richland County is showing impressive strength, boasting the largest housing inventory in the area, with 19,038 units. Lake Murray isn’t far behind, offering 14,212 units. On the other hand, downtown Columbia is where the rents are soaring. The average asking rent there is around $1,588, which can be a bit hefty for many residents.
Some exciting developments are also on the horizon. With the continuous rise in rent, developers are eyeing the greater downtown area for additional construction projects that target higher-income segments. Recent constructions in this area have been successfully stabilizing within just six months, which indicates a healthy sector.
Although the multi-family sector remains robust, overall transaction volumes are lower than in previous years. This is largely due to a national supply glut and high acquisition costs that make navigating the market a bit challenging. This puts additional pressure on families and individuals searching for suitable housing options.
In a concerted effort to tackle the issue of affordable housing, the Columbia Housing Authority is stepping in with a significant $46 million project. The initiative aims to renovate 120 existing affordable housing units and construct 43 new units to meet the urgent need in the community. With about 1,300 individuals currently on the waiting list for assistance, this project is a step in the right direction.
Scheduled for completion by October 2025, the Kinney Point Apartments is anticipated to be a beacon of hope for locals. The focus is to keep rents for the renovated units income-based, with costs capped at 30% of each household’s adjusted gross income. Most families currently pay an average rent of just $230 per month, which makes it possible for many to stay in their homes amidst a changing market.
As Columbia continues to thrive in the face of challenges in the housing market, it’s clear that the growing demand for rental housing is shifting the landscape toward multi-family living options for many of its residents. Stay tuned for more updates on this ever-evolving story in our vibrant city!
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