Laramie council prepares to analyze impact of new UW dorms on housing market

A significant discussion about the impact of new student housing on Laramie's rental market took place during the City Council meeting on April 22, 2025. As the University of Wyoming prepares to open new dormitories, council members expressed concerns about how this influx of students will affect existing rental properties.

One council member raised questions about the potential shift in the rental market, specifically whether students moving into the new dorms would free up lower-end rental properties. This could lead to a transformation of these properties, as landlords might choose to sell rather than rent them out. Historical trends suggest that when new student housing becomes available, older, less desirable rentals often transition into first-time homeownership.

A city staff member noted that similar patterns were observed in 2012 when private student housing was introduced. Many older rental properties were sold and renovated, returning to the market as single-family homes. This trend could repeat itself with the upcoming dorm openings, although predicting the exact impact remains challenging.

The council also highlighted the importance of analyzing both the short and long-term effects of the new dorms on Laramie's housing stock. This analysis is part of the city's economic development plan, which aims to understand how the changes in student housing will reshape the local real estate landscape.

As the new dormitories are set to open in the fall and spring, the city is preparing to evaluate these developments closely, ensuring that the community is ready for the potential shifts in housing dynamics.