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.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service