The Single-Family Rentals in Build-to-Rent Communities report by Yardi Matrix shares an update of the SFR market in 2024. Overall, single-family rentals are continuing to grow in built-to-rent communities. Both rent and occupancy growth have been strong in recent months while remaining a financially viable option for renters.
Over two-thirds of the top 30 metros have higher occupancy rates from single-family rentals in BTR communities than other multifamily assets.
4 Biggest Demand Drivers for Single-Family Rentals
But aside from price, what’s driving the demand? Four of the biggest demand drivers for single-family rentals are work-from-home professionals, household growth, the declining affordability of homeownership, and the demographics of Millennials and blue-collar workers.
1. Renters working from home
Because more than half (52%) of full-time workers are now returning back to the office, hybrid work is becoming the norm. Single-family rentals are more accommodating to this shifting demographic than traditional apartments; SFR offers a quieter environment and more space inside the home for the hybrid worker.
2. Household formation growth during the pandemic
Demand is also driven by household formation growth during the pandemic as a result of:
- Employment/wage growth.
- Stimulus payments.
- Increased savings.
3. Declining homebuying affordability
According to the Yardi Matrix report, 61% of renters in the largest metros are priced out of homebuying. The average home mortgage payment reached $2,547 at the end of 2023. Compare this to the average rent of $1,734 and renting looks like the better deal.
As the affordability of buying a home decreases, single-family rentals are prime for Millennials and blue-collar workers who would like to buy a house, but can’t.
4. Specific demographics
Those averaging a salary of $60,000 to $70,000 a year, individuals aged 24 to 40, and Millennials/blue-collar workers are largely driving the demand for single-family rentals in built-to-rent communities.
SFR development trends indicate that flexible designs and lot size by location are based on consumer preferences. For example, young singles and couples prefer pet-friendly units, while young families prefer large common areas.
RELATED: Multifamily rent remains flat at $1,710 in January
Development Trends
The four biggest single-family rental development trends as of 2024 include:
- Amenities. On-site maintenance and community areas are the most popular. Better parking, storage, privacy, and yard space is also highly desired.
- Smart home technology. This has become a “must” and will likely be standard soon, according to Yardi. Developers should plan for future demand such as electric vehicle charging in garages.
- Homes designed for frequent moving. Single-family rentals are using resilient materials like laminate faux wood flooring to maintain a durable, sleek look. Units are designed with wider hallways to accommodate the moving of furniture in and out of the home.
- Flexibility. Target demographics and location influence the design of build-to-rent communities. While younger renters would prefer pet-friendly units and large common areas, older singles and couples prefer an attached garage.
Click here to view the full Yardi Matrix Single-Family Rentals in Build-to-Rent Communities report.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Aug 7, 2015
Tribute tower to cricket world champs will be Sri Lanka’s tallest
The 1996 Iconic Tower will be a tribute to the country’s cricket team, which won the World Cup in 1996.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 5, 2015
FacadeRetrofit.org: A new database for tracking commercial and multifamily façade upgrades
The site allows users to submit information about new projects, or supplement information on those already posted.
High-rise Construction | Jul 29, 2015
Jerusalem to get a high-rise pyramid by Daniel Libeskind
Are pyramids making a comeback? The city of Paris recently approved a triangle-shaped building that stirred controversy from residents. Now, the city of Jerusalem gave Libeskind's pyramid tower the go-ahead.
Contractors | Jul 29, 2015
Consensus Construction Forecast: Double-digit growth expected for commercial sector in 2015, 2016
Despite the adverse weather conditions that curtailed design and construction activity in the first quarter of the year, the overall construction market has performed extremely well to date, according to AIA's latest Consensus Construction Forecast.
High-rise Construction | Jul 28, 2015
Work begins on KPF's 'flared silhouette' tower in Manhattan
The 62-story, 157-unit luxury condo tower widens at the 40th floor, resulting in a gently flared silhouette, accented by a sculpted crown.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2015
Miami developers are designing luxury housing to cater to out-of-town buyers and renters
The Miami Herald reports on several new multifamily projects, including the Paramount Miami Worldcenter, whose homes include maid’s rooms, larger terraces, boutique-size closets, and guest suites.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 20, 2015
At an 18-year high, multifamily construction continues to drive housing sector
Predictions that multifamily housing construction would taper off in 2015 may have underestimated the ongoing demand for this kind of housing, the vast majority of which is being marketed as rentals.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 16, 2015
Minneapolis relaxes parking requirements on new multifamily buildings
The city cut the number of spots required for large developments by half. It also will accept plans with no parking spaces in certain cases.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2015
Berkeley, Calif., adopts balcony inspection program following deadly collapse
Apartment building balconies will be subject to inspections every three years under new regulations adopted following a deadly collapse.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 9, 2015
Melbourne approves Beyoncé inspired skyscraper
The bootylicious tower is composed of 660 apartments and a 160-room hotel at the west end of Melbourne's business district.