Key Takeaways from IMN’s 2025 Build-to-Rent Forum East

The 2025 IMN Build-to-Rent (BTR) Forum East, held at the Grand Hyatt Nashville on March 17-18, convened over 1,000 professionals from the BTR, land, and homebuilding sectors.

Recent trends in the build-to-rent (BTR) market reveal evolving renter preferences as we move through 2025. A notable shift is the increase in renters who choose to rent by preference rather than necessity, rising from 27% in 2023 to 36% in 2024. Despite this growing preference for renting, cost sensitivity remains high among BTR residents. Approximately 43% of these residents indicated they would relocate if they found a better deal or lower rent elsewhere.

Key Highlights from the Conference:

1. Market Sentiment and Networking: The forum provided attendees with valuable insights into market dynamics and facilitated networking among industry leaders. Participants emphasized the importance of these interactions in staying abreast of market trends and forging strategic partnerships.
2. Focus on Financing Strategies: Discussions centered on private equity, debt structures, and joint venture financing within the land and homebuilding sectors. These conversations highlighted the evolving financial landscape and the need for adaptable strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
3. Technological Integration: The integration of technology in property management emerged as a significant theme. Innovations such as AI-driven predictive maintenance tools, smart home features, and advanced resident engagement platforms are increasingly essential in enhancing operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction.
4. Product Diversification: The conference highlighted a shift towards more diverse BTR offerings, including attached products like townhomes. This diversification aims to address varying consumer preferences and affordability concerns, thereby broadening the market appeal of BTR developments.
5. Economic Outlook: Experts discussed the potential impact of anticipated rate cuts by the Federal Reserve on the BTR sector. A lower cost of capital is expected to stimulate development activity and attract increased investor interest, contributing to the sector’s growth in the coming years.

The individual panels had much to say about AI’s role in transforming the BTR landscape, emphasizing its potential to drive innovation and create value for both operators and residents.
However, 35% of landlords cite cost as a barrier to adopting new tools, indicating a need for affordable tech solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

1. AI-Powered Smart Leasing & Renewals
   • AI-driven chatbots and virtual leasing agents handle inquiries, schedule tours, and process applications in real time.
   • Predictive analytics optimize rental pricing based on market trends and tenant demand.
   • Personalized lease renewal offers are generated based on individual tenant behavior, improving retention rates.
2. Automated Property Management & Predictive Maintenance
   • AI-enabled systems detect maintenance issues before they become costly repairs, such as HVAC failures or plumbing leaks.
   • Smart scheduling assigns maintenance requests to technicians efficiently, reducing response times.
   • AI-powered cameras and sensors enhance security, monitoring unauthorized access and detecting anomalies.
3. Smart Home Integration & Personalized Living
   • AI adjusts lighting, heating, and cooling based on resident preferences and occupancy patterns, improving comfort and energy efficiency.
   • Voice-activated AI assistants manage smart home features, from appliance controls to entertainment systems.
   • Facial recognition and biometric access provide secure and seamless entry to homes and shared amenities.

Overall, the 2025 IMN Build-to-Rent Forum East underscored the sector’s resilience and adaptability. By embracing innovative financing, technological advancements, and diversified product offerings, the BTR industry is well-positioned to meet evolving market demands and continue its growth trajectory.

Connect with Jason if you have any questions or if you are looking for investment opportunities in the Chattanooga region!

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Opportunity in Uncertainty?

There have been numerous developments in the news recently, all of which could have a significant impact on homeowners, investors, and residents. But while the current environment may be uncertain, Auben firmly believes that uncertainty can present opportunities for learning, knowledge and investment growth.

Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves to consistently building a strong foundation of comprehensive property management (and coming soon asset management!) services that empower the people in our organization to serve our clients effectively-regardless of market conditions. We’ve learned from our mistakes and we’ve continued to do the hard work to improve our operations and team to benefit our residents, our clients and our communities.

Especially during volatile times, we believe it’s vital to stay informed and this is the purpose of us curating these weekly news articles listed below. Equally important to information is for investors to align with a multi-market cycle, battle-tested manager experienced in always harvesting yield and equity growth. Challenging markets require experienced managers and our rapidly expanding team has been operating residential rentals for decades.

We are committed to continuing to search for the best market-neutral, value-add opportunities in the country in the most stable markets, so we can better support our clients throughout their investment journey. Unlike other property managers who focus on ensuring their managed units don’t leave management, our goal is and has always been to help investors achieve the best returns and navigate current market conditions simultaneously uncovering opportunities to optimize their rental asset/s and/or migrate their capital to better markets.

For expert guidance through this evolving landscape in the markets we serve, reach out to Auben — your local real estate investment specialists.

We’re also excited to announce that two of our team members will be attending IMN’s BFR East next week in Nashville! We look forward to sharing their insights on the conference upon their return next week!

The Developments

Cost-Cutting Measures from the Top Down

The Trump administration has announced intentions to cut costs across various federal programs. This move has resulted in impending closures of HUD offices and the termination of certain contracts, raising concerns about the support available for low-income housing and affordable housing initiatives.

Midwest: The Bright Spot for Growth

Amidst these challenges, the Midwest is emerging as the top market for growth. With its combination of affordable living and job opportunities, the region is expected to attract more investments and residents looking for stability.

Interested in tapping into the strategic investment potential of the Midwest? Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this thriving landscape. Contact our Kansas City expert, Alli Malliton, today to discover how you can take advantage of the opportunities waiting for you in the Midwest.

The Issue of Supply vs. Demand

Contrasting the growth potential, new apartment supplies are currently sitting idle, indicating a mismatch between supply and demand. Despite a rise in asking rents, the market appears saturated in some areas, posing a dilemma for developers and investors.

Tariffs: Double-Edged Sword

Tariffs are also making waves in the housing sector. While some tariffs are boosting real estate by incentivizing domestic production, others are increasing material costs, contributing to the overall expense of construction and renovation.

Investor Interest at a Low

Interestingly, investor home sales are currently low, which may reflect broader economic uncertainties or a strategic pause by investors waiting for market conditions to improve.

Orlando Stands Out

In contrast to the national trends, Orlando has cemented its position as a top multifamily market. With its appealing lifestyle and consistent demand for rental properties, Orlando is a beacon of opportunity.

Millennials Feeling the Pinch

Finally, the ongoing housing shortage is having a significant impact on millennials. Many are struggling to find affordable housing, which affects their ability to purchase homes and integrate into the housing market.

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