By Tuan Pham
As we packed up our exhibit booth, shut the doors to our meeting room, and wrapped up another productive week at the IMN Single Family Rental Forum in Miami, one thing was clear: the SFR sector continues to evolve with confidence, resilience, and innovation. Below are our top five takeaways from this year’s East Coast event.
Top 5 Takeaways
1. Resilient Rental Demand Remains a Core Strength
With interest rates still elevated and homeownership affordability at historic lows, single-family rentals continue to thrive as a defensive asset class. Families priced out of buying are turning to rentals, pushing occupancy rates and demand higher. One panelist summed it up best:
“SFR yields are not only countercyclical — they’ve never gone negative, even in deep recessions.”
2. Financing Holds Steady Despite Market Volatility
While interest rates remain a moving target, SFR financing has proven surprisingly stable. Lending rates have hovered near year-long averages even as broader markets fluctuate. A panelist noted:
“Borrowing rates for rental housing have been more stable than benchmarks. There’s more capital chasing fewer loans — compressing spreads and benefiting borrowers.”
3. Build-to-Rent Continues to Gain Momentum
Developers and investors alike are doubling down on Build-to-Rent (BTR). These purpose-built communities of detached homes offer renters newer, amenitized housing in desirable locations, meeting the needs of young families seeking space without sacrificing flexibility.
BTR was repeatedly cited as one of the most scalable strategies to address housing shortages and long-term rental demand.
4. Technology and AI Are Driving Operational Breakthroughs
Panelists highlighted the increasing role of AI and data analytics in streamlining underwriting, property management, rent pricing, and tenant screening. The key message: success hinges on strong data infrastructure.
“You can’t monitor what you can’t measure,” one expert remarked, emphasizing the need for better systems to drive NOI and scalability.
5. Operational Efficiency Is Now a Competitive Edge
With rising costs, particularly in insurance, taxes, and maintenance, SFR operators are laser-focused on driving efficiency. From reducing turnover to optimizing maintenance, the ability to run lean is emerging as a critical differentiator.
A notable positive effect: investing in aging housing stock (often 40+ years old) and renovating them keeps homes viable and communities intact which provides a long-term value add for both investors and residents.
Conference Highlights
Held May 19–21 in Miami, the IMN SFR East 2025 Forum welcomed more than 1,800 industry professionals, from institutional capital providers to opportunistic operators. The tone was pragmatic yet optimistic, reflecting a sector that’s grown up and is now refining its playbook.
Archwest’s Founder & CEO, Shawn Miller, moderated a financing panel and emphasized the need for adaptability in a changing environment:
“We need to be flexible, whether it’s adjusting loan terms or navigating new regulations, to support investor needs while ensuring the deals still pencil out.”
Final Thoughts on SFR East
This year’s IMN SFR East conference reaffirmed what we at Archwest see every day — a maturing industry built on fundamentals, not frenzy. With strong tailwinds from rental demand, a disciplined focus on performance, and the power of technology on its side, the SFR sector is well-positioned for continued growth.
