Single-family rentals are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. housing market—and they're not going away anytime soon, a new study suggests.
A new study from UC Berkeley's Terner Center for Housing Innovation explores the drivers behind the rise of single-family home rentals, and makes policy recommendations to aid this fast-growing group of tenants.
According to the paper, both market conditions and lifestyle preferences are funneling renters into houses rather than apartment buildings. "A boom in single-family home construction in the early 2000s followed by the recession and foreclosure crisis positioned many families with a need to rent, and many formerly-owned homes with a need for occupants," the authors' summary reads. At the same time, "single-family rental homes also serve as a good option for families seeking the amenities of a detached home in a suburban neighborhood, but without the commitment or barriers associated with ownership."
Still, the majority of renters in single-family houses hope to become homeowners. And they face the same affordability challenges as other renters nationwide, as well as challenges unique to single-family properties. The report suggests renter's tax credits and lease-to-own models could alleviate some of these difficulties.
FULL STORY: Renting the Dream: The Rise of Single-Family Rentals
Single-Family and Build-to-Rent Homes Growing in Size
As people perform more daily functions at home, homeowners and renters are seeking larger footprints to accommodate a broader range of uses.
'Wall Street's Latest Real Estate Grab'
Seeing an opportunity for massive profits, private companies have snapped up homes and become corporate landlords in cities across the country.
Rents Rose Between December and January
After dropping to a three-year low, U.S. rent costs grew in many major cities.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)