John Burns Research-Build-to-rent residents cost-conscious and willing to move

Key takeaways

  • More build-to-rent (BTR) residents consider themselves renters by preference compared to 2023 (36% in 2024 vs. 27%, respectively).
  • Residents’ expected time in their current home hasn’t changed (most plan to stay for a median of 3 years), but fewer plan to buy a home next. The percentage planning to purchase a home has dropped 7 percentage points since 2023.
  • 43% of BTR residents would move if they found a better deal on rent in another community. 

Read a 2025 Industry Leading Renter Survey

Did you know that a washer and dryer are the third most requested amenity by non-luxury renters?

Understanding renters’ preferences is key to maximizing property value and tenant retention. This much anticipated annual report from Buildium – RealPage outlines what pays and what doesn’t. Offering amenities that tenants value most not only attracts new renters but also encourages them to stay longer, especially when they feel the added value aligns with what they are willing to pay for their living experience.

BTR homes provide an affordability solution in today’s increasingly expensive housing market, but don’t ignore the implications of a cost-conscious consumer. While more BTR residents prefer renting, their planned length of stay hasn’t changed. Many are sensitive to price and are willing to move for a better deal.

More BTR residents consider themselves renters by preference

Our second national Build-to-Rent Resident Survey¹, conducted in 2024, gathered over 7,600 responses from residents across the US. The results highlight key shifts in renter preferences compared to 2023. 36% of BTR residents said they prefer renting their homes, up from 27% in 2023. This increase was consistent even when comparing survey responses only from residents at BTR communities that participated in both years, ruling out bias from new participating communities.43% of BTR residents would move if they found a better deal on rent in another community. 

The preference for renting grew across all life stages:

Allowing pets tends to attract the most appreciative and understanding residents

Similar Posts