The South Boston rental market in 2024 saw dynamic shifts, with rental prices fluctuating, demand varying by season, and key economic factors like inflation and interest rates influencing market conditions. Understanding these trends can help renters, landlords, and investors make informed decisions in 2025.
2024 South Boston Rental Market Performance
Median Rental Prices & Market Activity
- Highest Median Rent: $4,307 (April 2024)
- Lowest Median Rent: $3,504 (January 2024)
- Fluctuations: Rents spiked in Q2 and Q3, peaking in April, and there was strong demand throughout the summer.
- Average Days on Market (DOM): Rentals took between 17 to 54 days to get leased, showing variability in demand.
- Homes Rented at Asking Price: In peak months, up to 71% of rentals closed at the listed price.
- Homes Rented Above Asking: Competitive months like June and July saw as many as 37 leases closed above the asking price.
Quarterly Breakdown
- Q1 2024 (Jan-Mar): Rent started lower, with the median rent at $3,504 in January but picked up by March. On average, homes took 35-44 days to rent.
- Q2 2024 (Apr-Jun): Peak season for landlords, with April seeing a median rent of $4,307. The fastest leasing times occurred in May, averaging 17 days on the market.
- Q3 2024 (Jul-Sept): Consistent demand, with September posting a median rent of $4,035. Properties spent 27 days on the market on average.
- Q4 2024 (Oct-Dec): The market cooled, with rents settling at $3,621 in December and homes taking 47-54 days to lease.
Was 2024 a Renter’s or Landlord’s Market?
The market favored landlords in Q2 and Q3 when rents surged, and competition was fierce. However, renters gained leverage in Q4 as vacancies lingered longer and landlords became more flexible.
2025 South Boston Rental Market Forecast
For Renters 
Best Time to Rent: January – March 2025 is expected to offer the best deals as demand is lower and landlords are more negotiable. More Choices Early in the Year: Higher vacancy rates in Q1 give renters greater negotiating power. Lock in Long-Term Leases: If interest rates decline, demand could rise, making it wise to secure a lease early.
For Landlords 
Most substantial Leasing Period: April – September 2025 will likely see the highest rental demand, meaning higher prices and faster lease-ups. Pricing Smartly Matters: Renters are cost-conscious, so overpricing could lead to more extended vacancies. Well-Maintained Units Lease Faster: Updated properties attract more tenants willing to pay premium rates.
Will 2025 Be a Renter’s or Landlord’s Market?
The market is expected to remain balanced in early 2025, favoring renters. However, landlords will regain control as summer approaches, pushing rents higher. If mortgage rates remain high, fewer renters will transition to homeownership, maintaining a strong demand for rentals.
Final Thoughts
South Boston’s rental market in 2024 showed clear seasonal patterns, with high demand in mid-year and opportunities for renters in the winter months. In 2025, renters should act early for the best deals, while landlords can maximize returns by timing leases in peak months.
Looking to rent or lease in 2025? Contact me for expert guidance and market insights! If you are on the fence about your rent or whether you should buy, check out my South Boston Single Family Market Analysis, South Boston Condo Analysis, or my Instagram account every Monday and Tuesday, where I cover what is happening in the Sales and Rental Markets. Both reports are also published on Facebook and YouTube.
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