America has a housing affordability crisis. Building houses for rent can help

"I share no walls with anybody, and it's like having my own private little house that I just rent. About 7% of new single-family houses hitting the market are now for rent, not sale. More than 10 times as many build-to-rent homes were completed in the U.S. in 2024 as compared with a decade earlier."

"When NexMetro CEO Josh Hartmann started building these houses in 2009, in the aftermath of the financial crisis, he expected to get homeowners who had faced foreclosure and could no longer afford owning but still wanted the same home lifestyle. Instead, Hartmann said most of his residents have been young professionals, who were more likely to be pet owners than parents."

"It's just a lifestyle choice. They're kind of figuring out where they want to live. They don't want to buy a house yet. Others are older residents unwilling to buy and maintain a house late in life. Supporters like Hartmann say these new constructions help make both renting and buying more affordable."

Build-to-rent housing represents a growing segment of the residential market, with over 10 times more such homes completed in 2024 compared to a decade earlier. These single-family rental homes appeal to diverse demographics, including young professionals seeking flexibility without homeownership commitment and older residents avoiding maintenance responsibilities. Companies like NexMetro specialize in developing and owning these properties, particularly in high-growth regions like the Sun Belt, Ohio, and Utah where land availability and population growth support expansion. Residents value the privacy of single-family homes without ownership obligations. Proponents argue this housing model increases overall housing supply and affordability by providing alternatives to traditional apartment rentals and home purchases.

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