Duplexes

A reader just sent me this note as a comment which has been posted. Since folks may not read the comments, here it is, along with the link:

Good news for Williston! The Willistonnd.com site for building permits. Williston has surpassed the $400 million mark and they still have 2 months to go! Fargo will beat out Williston this time around though...they have a $500 million hospital out for bids...my guess the building permit has been submitted, so Fargo will probably be in the $800-900 million range.

http://www.cityofwilliston.com/DepartmentContent.aspx?DeptID=WND.CW.BNP&PageID=116

One big difference between 2011 and 2012: duplexes.

As of September 30, 2011: there were no permits for duplexes, accounting for about $12 million.

As of September 30, 2013: there were 35 permits for duplexes (70 units), $12 million. ($12 million/35 --> $350,000/duplex --> $175,000 home.)

I do not have any more information than this, but it certainly suggests the same thing that is very, very obvious in the suburbs of Boston: the huge number of duplexes. One almost gets the feeling that folks are paying for their home by renting out the other duplex unit. Very, very clever.

There has also been an increase in permits for apartments (numbers rounded):

As of September 30, 2011: $90 million for 725 units ($125,000/unit).

As of September 30, 2013: $135 million for 1,000 units ($135,000/unit).