Build to rent?

[Edward Segaar]

Looking to get my first rental and looking into a build to rent.  What are the pros/cons of this?  Is property management normally part of this arrangement?  Any thing I should ask?

[Tim Casey]

Hey @Edward Segaar, great to see you’re considering a BTR for your first rental property! There are some solid advantages here: new construction typically means lower maintenance costs upfront, modern amenities that attract quality tenants, and potentially higher rental income. Plus, many build-to-rent options come with property management baked in, which can be a huge benefit if you prefer a hands-off approach.

On the flip side, BTR properties can sometimes come with a higher upfront cost or a longer timeline to start generating cash flow, especially if construction is still in progress. This is one of the reasons to look for groups that work to address these concerns by offering a streamlined process that connects you directly with developers, ensuring transparency on costs, timelines, and expected returns. Also need to focus on markets/communities that strike the balance of relatively low land cost, strong rental demand and include professional property management to strategically minimize vacancies and maximize rental income from day one.

If you have more questions, feel free to reach out!

Tim Casey
Vice President at Build 4 Rent
Senior Investment Advisor at Build 2 Rent