Selling Your Home? Why a Build-to-Rent Move Could Make Sense Today

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re not alone in weighing your next move carefully. With today’s elevated home prices and higher interest rates, many homeowners who locked in a low mortgage rate during the pandemic are reluctant to jump into another purchase.

Enter the build-to-rent (BTR) option. Build-to-rent homes are newer, professionally managed single-family houses built specifically for renting. With a record 39,000 new BTR homes completed last year and more than 110,000 units currently in development, this housing trend is offering an attractive alternative for people who want flexibility, low maintenance, and a modern living experience.

For homeowners considering their next chapter, a move into a build-to-rent home could be a smart solution.

Looking to Sell and Move to a Build-to-Rent Home?

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What is a build-to-rent home?

Build-to-rent homes are single-family houses or cottages that are built with the sole purpose of renting — not selling. These homes are typically located in planned communities and come with features like private yards, modern finishes, and access to community amenities such as pools, walking trails, dog parks, pickleball courts, and fitness centers.

Because they’re managed by professional property management companies, residents often enjoy maintenance-free living, which can offer residents more peace of mind. Some communities target downsizing homeowners age 55+ and provide RV parking for a “lock-and-leave” property.

The build-to-rent model is designed to give tenants the best of both worlds: the space and privacy of a standalone home, combined with the convenience and low responsibility of renting. Unlike renting from a private landlord, you get consistent service and the benefits of a brand-new home without the unexpected repair costs.

Why homeowners are moving into BTR communities

For many homeowners — especially seniors or empty nesters — the thought of maintaining a large home no longer fits their lifestyle. Downsizing into a build-to-rent community can offer a simpler, more flexible way of living without the long-term commitment or upkeep of owning another property.

Here’s why a growing number of homeowners are considering a move into a build-to-rent home:

• Preserve your low mortgage win: If you secured a mortgage rate between 2.5% and 4% during the pandemic, trying to buy again today could mean facing rates nearly twice as high, drastically driving up your monthly payments. By selling now and moving into a rental, you can pocket the equity you’ve built without taking on a costly new mortgage.
• Simplify your lifestyle: Build-to-rent homes are professionally managed, which means you won’t need to worry about unexpected repairs, yard work, or home maintenance. This can be especially appealing for seniors who want to spend more time traveling, visiting family, or simply enjoying retirement without the responsibilities of homeownership.
• Lock-and-leave convenience: Whether you dream of taking longer vacations or splitting time between different parts of the country, a BTR home offers the security of a managed property — no need to arrange for house sitters or stress about upkeep while you’re away.
• Enjoy newer homes and community amenities: Many BTR developments include access to pools, fitness centers, walking trails, parks, and clubhouses. Homes are newly built, offering updated layouts and energy-efficient designs that are hard to find in older resale homes.

According to Yardi Matrix data analyzed by Point2Homes, nearly 110,000 new build-to-rent homes are currently in different stages of development across the country. This demand is being driven by ongoing homeownership affordability concerns and renters who want to live in spacious homes in communities with desirable amenities.

Where build-to-rent is booming

If you’re thinking about moving into a build-to-rent home, the Point2Homes research report found that certain parts of the country are leading the way.

• Phoenix, Arizona saw the most BTR completions in 2024, with 4,460 new single-family rental homes — an 18% increase from the previous year.
• Dallas, Texas followed closely with 3,197 new units, continuing the metro’s rapid growth as a BTR hotspot.
• Atlanta, Georgia added 3,035 new rental houses, marking a 15% year-over-year increase and the highest number of completions in the past five years.

In addition, six other metro markets experienced significant growth with over 1,000 new single-family rentals each:

• Houston, Texas: 2,505 new units in 16 communities;
• Charlotte, North Carolina: 1,415 new units in 15 communities;
• Jacksonville, Florida: 1,201 new units in 6 communities;
• Huntsville, Alabama: 1,098 new units in 6 communities;
• Columbus, Ohio: 1,018 new units in 7 communities;
• Tampa, Florida: 1,005 new units in 9 communities.

Here’s a quick look at the top 20 metro list showing build-to-rent completions last year.

At the state level, Texas, Florida, and Arizona are leading the charge in total build-to-rent homes built. The South, in general, is seeing the strongest momentum, but growth is expanding into new regions. Places like Georgia, the Carolinas, and even California are now offering more BTR options.

Highest growth of build-to-rent homes near you

If you’re curious about what’s happening in your market on the build-to-rent front, here is an interactive map showing the 100 metros in the U.S. with the most new units constructed in the past five years:

If you’re selling a home and thinking about downsizing into a more flexible living arrangement, or if you’ve found a remote job and want to move to save money, these locations could offer exciting new options tailored to your next chapter.

What’s next for build-to-rent

While the build-to-rent sector is still expanding, the pace of new construction could slow in the coming years.

“Although demand continues to grow, 2025 and 2026 could see BTR construction decelerating,” wrote Andra Hopulele, author of the study. “Rising land, labor, and materials costs, in addition to crushing construction debt make it harder for developers to pencil new deals.”

Hopulele adds that the nation’s shifting trade policies may also hobble build-to-rent plans and progress. “Costs could rise even further in the following months due to tariffs and reduced labor availability. In fact, Yardi Matrix projects that both starts and deliveries might slow in the following years, putting the brakes on the growth of this segment.”

Still, with nearly 110,000 single-family rental homes currently underway nationwide, there’s a strong inventory of new build-to-rent homes available right now or coming soon. In markets with ideal conditions and ready consumers, the build-to-rent sector may continue its general upward path.

According to the analysis of Yardi Matrix data, some of the factors that could fuel future growth expectations and reshape the housing market include:

• Millennials who are creating families and looking to leave apartments, but cannot yet afford to purchase a home.
• Potential homebuyers of all ages who are sidelined by out-of-reach home prices.
• High-income earners who are renters by choice because it fits their lifestyle.
• Remote and hybrid workers who need or want extra space.
• Retirees looking to downsize or simplify their living arrangements.
• Older homeowners who can’t age in place but still want space, financial flexibility, and a low-maintenance lifestyle.

If you’re thinking about selling and moving into a professionally managed rental home, this could be a good time to find the right fit.

How HomeLight can help you make your move

If you’re considering selling your current home and moving into a build-to-rent community, HomeLight can help you get started with confidence.

• Find a top agent: Our free Agent Match platform connects you with trusted, top-performing real estate agents in your area. An experienced agent can help you price your home accurately, market it effectively, and manage the entire selling process — freeing you up to plan your next steps. A top agent may also be able to recommend a build-to-rent community in your area.
• Check your home’s value: Use HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator to get a real-world estimate of what your current home could sell for today. Knowing your home’s value can help you plan for your move into a BTR community with greater financial clarity.

Selling your home and transitioning into a new lifestyle is a big decision. Working with the right team can make the process smoother, whether you’re seeking a simpler, low-maintenance way of living or more freedom to travel and enjoy life.

Is a build-to-rent home your next chapter?

If you’re ready for a simpler, more flexible lifestyle, a build-to-rent home could be the perfect next step. With more new BTR communities available today than ever before, homeowners who sell now have a wide range of options to choose from — many offering low-maintenance living, updated amenities, and lock-and-leave convenience.

Whether you’re downsizing, planning to travel more, or simply ready to close one chapter and start another, HomeLight is here to help. Use our free Agent Match tool to connect with a trusted agent and get a clear view of your home’s current value. Your next chapter could be closer than you think.

Header Image: Build-to-rent (BTR) homes are standalone residential properties purpose-built for long-term rental occupancy, rather than for individual ownership, often designed as part of a professionally managed community. (Photo by Richard W. Haddad/HomeLight)