Extreme Rent Differences: SFH vs Duplex vs Apartment

[Andrew W.]

Hi all, 

I am amazed at how much apartment complexes are able to charge for rent. Here in NW Austin, a 2 BR duplex unit rents for about $400 per month less than a 2BR apartment in the same area. The apartment would is usually slightly more updated, but the duplex side includes a yard and 1 car garage. 

For the amount that people pay for luxury apartment in North Austin ($1700+), one could actually rent their own SFH.

1) Anyone have any explanations for why the apartment rental market and duplex/SFH rental market are so different?

2) Anyone have any strategies for a SFH or duplex landlord to reach potential renters who would otherwise choose an apartment (at a worse value in my opinion)?

-Andrew 

About me: I own and rent out duplex units in NW Austin, 1 year experience. 

[David Ferrette]

IMO, duplexes tend to be in C-class neighborhoods.  If I go to a neighborhood filled with duplexes or quads, the buildings are often run down and the tenants look to be c-class people.  The apartment around the corner will have on site management that should keep the facility clean and safe.  Clean and safe will drive up rents.