It's a terrible, predatory system, but that's what it means when units are "market rent", the prices fluctuate on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis and if you dont lock in a unit, you will miss out on that "sale" price.

It shouldn't be that way, as housing shouldn't be allowed to be treated as a fluctuating luxury item, but it currently is.

If you are worried about coming across this again, keep an eye out for "market rent" listings, just know that many many properties are doing this and that at some point you may have to bite the bullet just to get a good unit at a decent price.