Blackstone, $BX, increased rent prices for its San Diego units by an average of 38%, or $600, since it acquired them in 2021

The report reveals that Blackstone has raised rent prices for its San Diego properties by an average of 38%, or $600, since acquiring them. This increase is nearly double the 20% median rent hike across the county. In some Blackstone-owned buildings, particularly in low-income neighborhoods like San Ysidro and National City, rent has surged by up to 80% over three years. Units that once rented for $1,500 per month now exceed $2,500.

Jordan Ash, housing director at the Private Equity Stakeholder Project, noted that these units, known as "naturally occurring affordable housing," were once affordable for low- and middle-income renters without government aid. However, corporate acquisitions often lead to renovations targeted at higher-income tenants, resulting in increased rents and displacement of existing residents.

In response to FOX 5/KUSI, Blackstone defended its actions by highlighting improvements to living conditions across the nearly 70 buildings it owns in San Diego, stating that average rents in their properties are 20% below the market average. They reported a 40% increase in resident review scores, higher retention rates, and $100 million invested in upgrades. Blackstone also noted that during the pandemic, it was among the few major landlords that did not evict tenants for non-payment and addressed over 44,000 repair requests.

As traditional rental investments become less affordable, alternative real estate options, like fractional real estate, are gaining traction. This method allows investors to buy shares in properties, earning passive income without the burdens of full ownership. Fractional ownership helps diversify portfolios, manage risks, and take advantage of opportunities in the real estate market.