The single-family build-to-rent (B2R) market is growing, with the share of new single-family rental housing starts doubling from 4% in 2020 to 8% in 2024. This growth is a reflection of the demand for better rental properties in the housing market, according to Multi-Housing News. To keep up with this demand, developers in the B2R space are sharing cost-saving strategies, such as distributing properties across multiple growth markets, tightening subcontractor relationships, and using prefabrication techniques to help speed up build times.
John Daher, vice president of development and construction at American Realty Advisors, stressed the value of maximizing site utilization through design and standardization of floor plans and finishes to reduce material costs, allow for more efficient production, lower carry costs, reduce delivery times and simplify the construction process.
He also noted the value of effective use of prefabricated elements. “Using prefabrication of key elements such as roof trusses, flooring systems and wall panels can significantly reduce total project time while still producing quality houses,” according to Daher.