The [National Association of Realtors] study found that the average age of a first-time homebuyer was 38 years old, a record high. ”
PROFILE OF A BTR RENTER Data on BTR renters specifically is limited. A 2025 study from Apartment List found that roughly 31.4% of Americans overall are renters. Looking at age, the study reports that 83.8% of people between the ages of 15 to 24 rent their homes, along with 58.7% of those in the 25- to 34-year-old range. According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors, the number of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. dropped to about 1.1 million in 2024, the lowest level since the NAR started tracking new buyers in 1989. The same study found that the
model. More renters mean more demand for quality rental housing and a more resilient rental base, leading to steadier occupancy levels in BTR rental properties. Recent data from Fannie Mae suggests that a record 35% of respondents prefer renting over buying—the highest this number has been since 2020. Plus, John Burns Research and Consulting reports that buying an entry-level home now costs twice as much as renting for the first time since 2006. BTR housing is especially attractive to young families looking for single-family homes that come with all the amenities of homeownership without the responsibility or the extra costs.
historical norms at approximately 18% below December 2024, when sentiment had shown a post-election bump. Additionally, according to the poll, nearly 70% of Americans report being concerned about a potential housing market crash in 2025, with 32% noting they are worried about being priced out of the housing market due to rising interest rates. These concerns, paired with the ability to move without the challenge of selling a home in today’s volatile housing market, are driving many prospective homebuyers to continue to rent. This is good news for BTR investors because it reinforces the strength of its
thinkrealty.com | 61
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter