The Future of Single-Family Rentals in 2024

2023 proved to be a pretty challenging period for the housing market. Rental trends were significantly impacted by factors including inflation, changing demographics, housing scarcity, and rising costs. 

However, amidst these formidable challenges, there was a silver lining in the form of the single-family rental market. 

Despite the storm, this market segment displayed resilience and is projected to maintain its robustness throughout 2024. This can be attributed to factors. The increasing demand for single-family homes, and favorable lending conditions. Plus a shift in preferences toward more spacious and flexible living arrangements. 

As we move forward, observing how these dynamics continue to shape the housing market landscape in the coming years will be interesting. Let’s dive into this article and explore what lies ahead for Single-Family Rentals in 2024!

1. Sustained Demand for Single-Family Rentals

One of the standout trends is the persistent increase in demand for single-family rentals. The 2023 Property Management Industry Report from Buildium highlights that household sizes have grown for the second consecutive year. 

Couples with children and multi-generational families are becoming a more significant part of the rental demographic. 

Millennials, opting for a delayed entry into homeownership compared to their predecessors, continue to find single-family rentals attractive as they seek spacious accommodations, good schools, and suburban amenities.

This upward trend in demand is expected to continue into 2024, driven by the growing size of households and the ongoing challenge of housing affordability. The report predicts strong demand for single-family rentals as couples and families find homeownership financially elusive.

2. Upsurge in New Single-Family Home Construction

NerdWallet reports that builders in the U.S. are actively seeking permits for single-family homes at levels not seen since May 2022. This surge in construction activity is anticipated to alleviate the housing shortage to some extent. 

However, it may also introduce increased competition in the rental market, especially if these newly constructed homes are designated for rental purposes.

Despite an increase in housing supply, home prices for potential buyers are expected to remain high due to modest easing in interest rates and a persistent scarcity of buyers. Consequently, individuals may continue turning to the rental market until there is a substantial drop in home prices.

3. Tech-Enhanced Property Management

The integration of technology into property management is set to intensify in 2024.

The Industry Report notes that 24% of rental property owners seek managers who leverage online tools for digitizing rental processes. Additionally, 90% of renters express interest in completing various rental processes online.

Property managers and landlords are expected to increasingly rely on property management software, smart home devices, and automation. This tech-driven approach aims to streamline operations, bolster security, and provide superior services to tenants.

The emphasis on digital processes is a cross-generational preference, indicating a widespread acceptance of technology in property management.

Propertese has unique capabilities to fulfill this technological requirement, including an ERP system that provides property managers with incredible functionalities. It’s worth checking out.

4. Challenges in Tenant Quality Identification

The decline in mortgage rates may encourage some renters to transition to homeownership. However, the overall impact on the single-family rental market is expected to be moderate. Realizing this potential reduction in prospective tenants, property managers are adopting a dual strategy to address the changing landscape. 

They are focusing on enhancing the value proposition of rental properties by offering additional amenities and services, such as flexible lease terms, community events, and maintenance packages, to attract and retain tenants. 

To identify quality tenants, property managers are turning to tenant screening software with predictive and AI tools to match tenants with suitable properties efficiently. 

Simultaneously, property managers focus on improving the overall tenant experience to reduce turnover and retain valuable tenants. This involves offering better amenities and implementing measures to cap rent increases.

5. Shifts in Regulatory Landscape

We are in the middle of February; property owners and managers must stay updated on the latest laws and regulations that have come into effect in 2024. 

One notable example is the requirement for California landlords. To provide a specific reason for early lease termination, ensuring transparency and fairness for tenants. 

Additionally, landlords in California will be responsible for covering relocation expenses for non-tenant-fault reasons, further prioritizing the well-being of renters.

In Denver, there is a new requirement for single-family rental owners to obtain a license by January 1, 2024. This licensing process includes a $50 fee. Plus, the submission of lease copies, aiming to enhance accountability and improve the rental landscape in the city.

Property owners and managers can proactively adapt their practices by staying informed about upcoming changes. This approach ensures they remain compliant with evolving legal requirements in the property management landscape.

6. Persistent Appeal of Single-Family Rental REITs

The trend that emerged in 2022, where there was a notable shift from multifamily to single-family rental Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), continued to gain momentum in 2023. 

Single-family rental REITs not only sustained their superior performance but also showcased their resilience in the face of evolving market dynamics. As more Americans chose to delay homeownership and embraced the flexibility of renting, these REITs emerged as a compelling investment option. 

By offering investors an avenue to participate in the real estate market without requiring a substantial financial commitment, single-family rental REITs have become an increasingly attractive choice. They allow individuals to capitalize on the ongoing trends in the housing market.

These REITs, with the potential for sustained growth and a robust future outlook, poised to offer long-term value and opportunity to investors. To align their strategies with today’s housing market’s evolving needs and preferences.

7. Mandatory Affordable Housing Initiatives

The Biden administration’s budget request for the Department of Housing and Urban Development introduces several provisions. These provisions aim to enhance the availability of affordable homes, prevent evictions, and provide rent relief.

Notably, the Project-Based Rent Assistance program allocates $7.5 billion to contracts with owners to offer affordable housing for extremely low-income households. These initiatives aim to alleviate the burden of high housing costs and encourage developers and owners to contribute to the availability of more affordable housing.

In conclusion, we expect the single-family rental market to experience growth and innovation in 2024. As the industry adapts to changing tenant preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory shifts, stakeholders who stay informed and embrace these trends will likely find success in this dynamic landscape. 

For property managers seeking to incorporate technology into their operations in 2024, exploring platforms like Propertese and engaging in a free demo could be a valuable step forward.