Single Family Rentals: The New Favorite Option

Posted: 06 Mar 2013

 

Yesterday, we posted on the surge of new household formations that have occurred in the last twelve months and that are projected to reach boom numbers over the next twelve months. Will these new households be renting or buying? A recent study, The National Survey of Renters, from The Opinion Research Corporation reveals that many will be taking an option few had access to in the past – renting a single family home.

Are There Many Single Family Rentals Available?

The study reports that the number of single family house rentals has skyrocketed over the last several years:

“Single -family rental homes are the fastest growing housing option in America. Some 52 percent of all rental buildingss in the U.S. are single-family homes, housing 27 percent of all renters. Most, 3.6 million, were originally built for owner occupancy but passed into the ranks of rentals when their owners lost them through foreclosure.”

With approximately one million homes still in some form of foreclosure, these numbers will probably continue to increase.

How Do Single-Family Tenants Differ from Multi-Family Tenants?

There are distinct differences between the two different types of tenants. The report reveals:

• Single-family renters make more money as apartment dwellers. Median income for a single-family renter is $75,000-$100,000 versus $50,000-$75000 for a multi-family tenant.
• Single-family renters are nearly twice as likely to have children as apartment dwellers. 63 percent of single-family households include children; only 34 percent of apartment renters have children living with them.
• Single-family households are larger; some 65 percent have three or more members compared to 32 percent of apartment households.
• Most single-family tenants are older, aged 35-44 (53%) compared to 14-34 (46%) and 65+ (61%) for apartment dwellers.
• Compared to apartment dwellers, single-family renters value neighborhood features important to children, such as parks and playgrounds (65% to 71%), good schools (72% to 82%) and safe neighborhoods (97% to 98%).

Do These Tenants Plan to Buy a Home in the Future?

The report explains that tenants living in a single-family house ‘enjoy’ their experience more than those in multi-unit buildings. However, most do have plans to purchase a home in the future.

• 60 percent of single-family renters compared to 44 percent of apartment dwellers said they anticipate becoming homeowners in the next five years.
• Families with three or more members (64%) and children under 13 (69%) were more likely to become homeowners.
• The near term interest in becoming homeowners among single family tenants reflects the new roles single family rentals are fulfilling as a stepping stone to homeownership for first-time buyers and as a sanctuary for large numbers of families displaced by foreclosures but who plan to buy again when they can afford to do so.

It will be interesting to see how this new type of tenant adopts to renting a single-family residence.

If you are thinking of buying a home in Westport or surrounding areas please visit www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com for a free list of homes for sale in Westport and Bristol County MA and RI.

If you are thinking of selling your home contact me for a FREE Current Market Analysis and to learn about our Market Plan to get your home SOLD!

We work with one going in mind, YOURS!

Noemi Cardoso
Local Office. Local Agents. Local Knowledge.
William Raveis Real Estate
911 Main Rd - Westport MA 02790
Cell: 508-558-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com
noemi@DistinctiveHomes-NE.com

Are Young Adults Buying Homes Again?

Posted: 05 Mar 2013 - KCM Group

Sales of residential properties are back to the highs experienced at the expiration of the Home Buyers Tax Credit in April 2010. One of the reasons for this surge in purchasing is that young adults may again be entering the market.

Over the last few years, many young adults stayed on the sidelines (some in their parents’ homes) while waiting for the overall economy and the housing market to stabilize. This group represents a pent-up purchasing demand which is now coming to market.

Last summer, the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University released a study which addressed this demographic:

“Surveys consistently find that the overwhelming majority of young adults plan to own a home in the future, but many would-be buyers have stayed on the sidelines waiting for the job outlook to improve and house prices to stop falling. But as markets tighten, these fence-sitters may begin to take advantage of today’s lower home prices and unusually low mortgage rates.”

This may be taking place already

It seems this is beginning to take place. The Census Bureau recently reported that annual household formations are almost back to boom time numbers:

• Boom Years: 1,250,000 annual formations
• 2008-2011: 650,000 annual formations
• 2012: 1,150,000 annual formations

Freddie Mac is projecting 1,250,000 new household formations in 2013.
These new households will be divided between purchases and rentals. However, we must realize this group believes strongly in homeownership. Here are three examples:

1. 43% of young adults between the ages of 18-34 years old already own a home.
2. 72% of young adults between the ages of 18-34 years old see homeownership as part of their personal American Dream.
3. 93% of young adults between the ages of 18-34 years old, who currently rent, plan to buy a home.

It will be interesting to follow this trend as prices rise and interest rates inch upward.

If you are thinking of buying a home in Westport or surrounding areas please visit www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com for a free list of homes for sale in Westport and Bristol County MA and RI.

If you are thinking of selling your home contact me for a FREE Current Market Analysis and to learn about our Market Plan to get your home SOLD!

We work with one going in mind, YOURS!

Noemi Cardoso
Local Office. Local Agents. Local Knowledge.
William Raveis Real Estate
911 Main Rd - Westport MA 02790
Cell: 508-558-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com
noemi@DistinctiveHomes-NE.com