"There is obviously a very strong market for this particular product," Joel Deines, sales and marketing director for Centex Homes/Orlando, tells GlobeSt.com. "We expect our sales to jump even higher as our models get further along."

Deines' observation follows a new Grubb & Ellis Co. analysis on the multifamily market published this week by GlobeSt.com. Grubb & Ellis noted a 92.4% occupancy level in the for-rent apartment sector with 11,147 units rented for the 12 months ended March 31. Strong population and job growth are fueling demand, the brokerage's study states.

Centex's strategy appears to fit in with that assessment. The builder is targeting young professionals and move-down buyers as its primary market, although Deines says the townhomes "appeal strongly to anyone who desires a maintenance-free lifestyle."