Developers in St. John's are taking an interest in building apartment complexes, and some of those buildings are being earmarked for seniors.

Gail Boggan, the property manager of N.D. Dobbin, the construction company planning to build a 15-unit structure on Empire Avenue, said there is a big demand for apartments for senior citizens.

Gail Boggan says there's a huge demand for apartment buildings for seniors. (CBC )

"There's an awful lot of people out there who are literally sleeping on family members' couches or have a small room in the basement," said Boggan. "These units which we are building will accommodate that."

Boggan said her company got the idea from a housing forum last November, where seniors said there was a shortage of apartment buildings for them.

"There's not very many [buildings] around, and the ones that are around have a five- to 10-year waiting list," said Boggan. "And it's not getting any better."

Boggan said the ground hasn't even been broken on N.D. Dobbin's three-storey, 15-unit building on Empire Avenue, and she has already been getting calls from prospective tenants.

"I've had three today alone," said Boggan. "Now I have eight on my list."

More expected

An apartment building under construction in Pleasantville is the first rental building to be built in St. John's in the past 25 years.

Chris Janes, a senior market analyst for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in St. John's, said he expects more are on the way.

"There's a huge supply of new condos that are sitting on the market right now for sale," said Janes. "And a lot of developers I've been speaking with lately are shifting their focus more towards rental."

Boggan said N.D. Dobbin would like to see 10 seniors' apartment buildings scattered around St. John's in the next decade.

"It will be fully functional for any senior to have an ease of life," said Boggan.

Boggan said the developer has not decided on rental rates for the apartments, but she said they will cost at least $800 per month.