This week’s multifamily roundup takes a look at build-to-rent housing, Harvard’s latest housing study, and baby boomer/seniors lifestyle preferences. First, CNBC reports on the increasing popularity of the build-to-rent investment strategy, with elevated demand for the single-family rental product encouraging larger investors and developers to enter the space. Next, Harvard JCHS releases its “State of the Nation’s Housing 2019” report, which notes that housing supply is still not keeping up with the need for units, resulting in rents and home prices remaining high. Arbor’s Chatter explores the differences in internet usage across age groups, with senior renters proving to be more dependent on home-based access. Then, HousingWire explains how more Baby Boomers choosing to age in place is causing “near-gridlock” in the housing market, with less supply available to potential new buyers. Finally, NREI observes a shift among developers and owners from focusing on physical amenities at their apartment buildings to now emphasizing service offerings.
Build-to-Rent Housing Market Explodes as Investors Rush In
CNBC – June 26
“The homes will be built in contiguous tracts and sold in bulk to large-scale investors. Putting dozens of homes in one location makes property management much easier and far less expensive.”
The State of the Nation’s Housing
Harvard JCHS – June 25
“Although household growth is returning to a more normal pace, housing production still falls short of what is needed, which is keeping pressure on house prices and rents and eroding affordability.”
Wired Up: Senior Renters More Dependent on Home-Based Internet Access
Arbor Chatter – June 24
“Looking at internet access types across age groups presents wider gaps in usage patterns. Younger, tech-savvy households are more likely to adopt multiple access options compared to Seniors and Baby Boomers.”
Baby Boomers Creating “Near-Gridlock” by Aging in Place
HousingWire – June 25
“Instead of moving to retirement communities like many of their parents did when they got older, Baby Boomers are opting to age in place. The “near-gridlock” is keeping about 1.6 million houses off the national market.”
Amenities vs. Services: Property Managers and De-escalating the Amenity War
NREI – June 25
“Today, we are seeing a shift among developers and property owners away from the physical amenity war that’s been going on for the last several years to a focus now on services.”
