U.S. apartment construction is expected to hit a historic high of more than 500,000 new units this year, a new study from RentCafe found, and Atlanta is helping lead the surge.
The influx represents a 9% increase compared to last year and a 30% jump from 2022.
The Atlanta region ranked No. 5 among major metro areas, with more than 18,500 apartments expected to be completed in 2024.
“The demand for apartments in Atlanta is fueled by a confluence of factors, including the innovation district surrounding Georgia Tech, the city’s rising prominence as a transportation hub and sustained population growth,” the study said. “Its skilled workforce, business-friendly environment, cultural attractions and rising wages further contribute to the city’s economic expansion.”
The study projects that nationwide, more than 2 million new apartments will hit the market by 2028. The rate of apartment building, though, is expected to dip from 2025 through 2027.
“Even with apartment construction conquering a new peak in 2024, higher borrowing costs are affecting the multifamily sector, prompting many developers to adjust their strategies for the coming years,” the study said. “This means they might focus on lower-risk projects or shift toward markets with strong demand and job growth.”
The top 10 cities for new apartment construction this year are:
- New York City, 32,935 units
- Dallas, 32,932 units
- Austin, 21,506 units
- Phoenix, 20,141 units
- Atlanta, 18,920 units
- Houston, 18,301 units
- Washington, D.C., 15,079 units
- Charlotte, 14,658 units
- Miami, 14,177 units
- Denver, 12,913 units