Demand For Rental Properties Increases

COLUMBUS, Ohio—In the housing market, things are tough for sellers. But according to those in the rental community, the demand for apartments is high.

Connie Deweese moved into a townhome at Heritage Green in Hilliard three years ago. She had been a homeowner for 30 years.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to buy up here or rent and then I just decided to stay where I am because I like it so well,“ Deweese said.

For Deweese, the pool at her complex is nice—and so is having the maintenance worker on speed dial.

But from a financial standpoint, she thinks renting might save her money from month-to-month.

“I feel like in the long run, it’s going to even out. I just don’t want to go back into a house right now,“ Deweese said.

Her complex has a 92 percent occupancy rate, which was unheard of until last year.

So what do people want?

“Close to work, close to school, close to interstates. That’s what we’re hearing consistently,“ said Jody Swickard, of Bell Properties.

Some recent studies show that by 2030, renting will be a far more popular form of housing than it is today.

Now, the 55 and older community is starting to demand more of that option.

The City of Columbus is tapping into some of that demand by offering some rental properties in their new development at the old City Center site.

Apartment experts in Columbus said now is the time to build more rental property—for people just like Deweese.

For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at .
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video