If you have been considering moving out of your home or to a new city, you are likely browsing apartments. Typically, most people focus on looking at how much apartments cost to rent.
If you have seen the rent prices for apartments, you probably wonder why apartments are so expensive. I looked up some facts, and here is what I found!
Why Are Apartments So Expensive?
Apartments are expensive because of the apartment’s features, such as the size, condition, floor number, and location. Moreover, apartments conveniently near various establishments and public transportation are expensive. Plus, renters may have to pay security deposits and renter’s insurance, which increases the initial costs of moving into the apartment.
Are you curious to learn more about what affects the price of apartments? I made a list of factors below, so read on!
1. Square Footage
Typically, one of the main reasons an apartment is expensive is that the apartment is big, meaning there is more square footage.
That said, this is because properties with a lot of square footage have more value, so larger apartments are more expensive.
When your apartment is larger, you have more space to utilize, making the property more valuable and expensive.
2. The Location
Apartment rental prices go up when you look at an apartment in a good location, such as in the middle of a busy city.
Mostly, people will look for an apartment in specific locations, and any apartment in a “prime” location will be expensive.
That said, this is because many people also want to live in these prime locations, which drives up the price of the apartments.
Since most people will rent apartments there, there will eventually be a shortage of apartments, which will cause a spike in demand anda price increase.
3. Higher Rental Rates
One of the main reasons why the cost of rent for an apartment is high is that the general rental rates are going up.
For instance, some cities in the United States have experienced as much as a 40% increase in rental prices.
Why the rental rates are going up are caused by various factors, but notably, it is because the general cost of living goes up, especially when an area experiences inflation.
4. Amenities
Occasionally, apartment buildings will have amenities for the tenants to use, which often drives up the rent price for apartments.
For instance, some apartment buildings have laundry areas and gyms for the tenants to use without leaving the building.
However, these amenities make it convenient for the tenants, so landlords can charge higher rent prices for the apartments.
5. Public Transportation
One of the most significant ways an apartment’s price gets determined is based on how accessible public transportation is.
Not everyone has a car, so many apartment renters want to ensure they can easily commute to their destination from their apartment.
Therefore, apartments closer to bus stations, train stations, etc., will be expensive since commuting will be easy.
6. Nearby Places
Other than having transportation nearby, another huge factor that can inflate the prices of apartments is what is nearby the apartment.
For instance, apartments close to “green” areas like parks are expensive because areas with nature are considered beneficial.
Additionally, apartments nearby department stores, restaurants, schools, hospitals, clinics, etc., will likely cost more.
As for luxury apartments, you would find these apartments located next to expensive shops and high-end restaurants.
7. Condition Of The Apartment
One of the major factors that affect the price of an apartment is the apartment’s condition.
Usually, apartments in good condition are expensive because the apartment will be nice and need little to no repairs.
For instance, a newer building will often have more expensive apartments because the apartments are newly-built and barely used.
8. Apartment Floor
Surprisingly, one of the major aspects that can affect the price of an apartment is what floor of the building the apartment is on.
Usually, apartments on the higher floors are expensive, with the top floor apartments or penthouses being the most costly.
Typically, top-floor apartments are seen as more exclusive and safer, which is why top-floor apartments are pricier.
On the other hand, apartments on the ground floor are usually cheaper, but that is because ground floor apartments have less privacy.
Also, some people believe it is easier to break into apartments on the ground floor, making them less safe.
9. Renter’s Insurance
In some cases, landlords will require tenants to pay for renter’s insurance, especially if the apartment is furnished.
Usually, the landlord can dictate how much the furnishing will be worth, costing you $200 to $2,000 a year for renter’s insurance.
10. Crime Rates
The crime rate can affect the apartment’s price since the crime rate can gauge your safety in the apartment.
Therefore, apartments in low crime rate areas will be expensive, while apartments within higher crime rate areas will be cheap.
11. Security Deposits
Almost every landlord will require each renter to give a security deposit before the renter can move into the apartment.
That said, security deposits are a form of “insurance” you give the landlord to ensure that you keep the apartment in good condition.
When you move out, and there are damages to the apartment, the landlord will take this security deposit to repair the damages.
Typically, security deposits will cost one to three months’ rent, which is a huge amount of money you have before moving in.
To know more, you can also read our posts on why New York apartments are so expensive, why studio apartments are so expensive, and why room and board is so expensive.
Conclusion
Normally, apartments are expensive when they are convenient, such as being located near public transportation, parks, and schools, and have amenities within the building.
Moreover, the apartment’s condition, size, floor number, insurance costs, etc., can inflate the total cost of the apartment.