As the housing market faces a scarcity of available homes, and rental prices soar, both potential homebuyers and renters are finding it increasingly challenging to secure suitable housing. In response, home builders and investors have introduced the concept of “build-to-rent” (BTR) communities, also known as single-family rentals. According to U.S. News, the BTR sector is experiencing a significant surge, with a remarkable 42% growth from one year to the next. Why are they essential, and how can your company effectively brand its next BTR community to capitalize on this booming trend?
These new multi-family sub-industries offer communities of single-family homes built explicitly for immediate leasing. They operate similarly to apartment communities but with visually distinct phases of delivered units.
Though each home is typically a standalone unit, the BTR community is designed in close proximity, with shared amenities. Unlike vertically stacked apartments, BTR units are spread out, often featuring private outdoor spaces like individual buildings and lawns. Residents enjoy a sense of homeownership while benefiting from the convenience of a traditional multifamily community, complete with abundant amenities and hassle-free maintenance.
Build-to-rent communities offer numerous advantages for both landlords and residents alike. With an impressive renewal rate of approximately 74%, these standalone units make renovation and issue resolution much easier, as individual units can be addressed without disturbing others. Owners and managers also enjoy easy access to systems, and the spaces are well-suited for turnover, despite it occurring less frequently than in average apartment communities. In some cases, vacant homes can even be repurposed into local cafes or other amenities rather than being rented out again.
Moreover, BTRs can be constructed more quickly than traditional single-family homes, helping to address the lack of affordable housing for those seeking rental options. These faster constructions are generally more favorably received by existing neighborhoods compared to towering apartment complexes that obstruct views and impact parking.
Branding Your Build-to-Rent Communities:
Effective branding is crucial to attract the right residents to your build-to-rent units. Although there aren’t significant differences in branding from typical apartments, paying attention to key nuances can make a significant impact.
INDEPENDENCE: Emphasize the sense of independence residents will experience with their own structure, lawn, and address—essentially, it’s like having a home of their own, but with added benefits.
ALL THE AMENITIES: Highlight the extensive array of amenities that surpass the offerings of a standard homeowners’ association. From pools to lawn maintenance and home exterior upkeep, BTR communities provide more than just the average suburban living experience.
EFFICIENT: Showcase the efficient design that enables on-site management to handle exterior maintenance while residents enjoy their own piece of land.
COMMUNITY-ORIENTED: Emphasize the neighborly atmosphere fostered by the community’s layout, promoting a more sociable environment compared to closed-door apartment complexes.
AFFORDABLE: Stress the affordability of BTR communities, offering comfort, community, and increased privacy to residents who may not be ready to commit to homeownership.
TRUST-WORTH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Trust your investment with a professional, honest, and experienced property manager. Sweetwater Property Management consistently maintains high occupancy rates while minimizing rental losses to reach the potential NOI. Our personalized service continues to differentiate us from larger competitors.
Click here for our BTR listing:
Allen Ridge Community in Greenville, NC
