Multifamily Housing

Would apartment shells help the housing market?

May 3, 2011

One reason the U.S. government pushed for homeownership is because it’s thought to reduce turnover and build strong communities. Owners have a vested interest in their properties whereas renters don’t—but what if were to change?

Hong Kong, for example, has a significant number of apartment buildings where units are rented out as shells and it’s the responsibility of the renter to finish them and make them habitable. Renters have a reason to stay put and maintain the unit because they effectively own a chunk of it. When they do move out, a new renter adds a new interior, so units are always being updated.

Can this setup work for rental buildings in the U.S.?

Full story

Source: Metropolis

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