Top 5 Reasons Renters Choose Houses Over Apartments
Written by
Brooke Barley
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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As the amount of homes built specifically for renting increases, it’s worth knowing that many renters are looking for a house rather than an apartment. Point2 recently published a survey on renters’ preferences, and it revealed that, since many families with children and pets are looking for rentals, the demand for single-family homes has gone up in a balance between space and cost of living.
Here’s a look at the top reasons why that is, according to the survey.
Next, find out what the cost of renting vs. owning your home is in every state.
Privacy
“My clients are most often looking to rent a home instead of an apartment because of a perceived better quality of life,” said Brett Johnson, the owner of New Era Home Buyers.
In the survey, 28% of respondents said they are looking to rent a home over an apartment to increase privacy.
Johnson added that this can cut down on excess noise, as well. “Noise tends to be a big issue, and putting up with a neighbor’s TV or an argument filtering through thin walls does get exhausting — a home provides that necessary buffer of space. You can relax without the worry of footsteps overhead or music thumping through the floors.”
Space
More than likely, a house is going to offer more square footage than an apartment, and 25% of those surveyed said that is a huge advantage.
“Kitchen storage space, pantries, mudrooms, bonus rooms and work from home space are top of mind when designing new built to rent homes,” said Kristina Chervenka, the COO and co-founder at Five Buffalo Capital, LLC. “These spaces have been lacking in traditional apartment construction, which often lead renters to look into single family homes as a better option for their needs.”
To Have a Yard or Garden
When looking for a house over an apartment, 16% of those surveyed did so because they wanted a yard or somewhere to grow their plants.
“The ability to have a yard for outdoor activities or simply to relax in is a sought after benefit for renters,” Chervenka explained. “With a growing focus on positive mental health, the benefits of being outside and gardening are top of mind to various renter demographics.”
For Better Pet Accommodations
Those with rambunctious pets know that apartment living can get trying for everyone in the home. According to the survey, 13% of renters want a house to create a better environment for their pets.
“It is difficult to live in an apartment with a pet that gets the zoomies,” Chervenka said. “Renters value their pets’ comfort and quality of life, so having space to let their pets roam and play without causing issues with the neighbors is high on the list of must haves.”
To Accommodate a Growing Family
Those looking to have children are usually going to opt for a home rather than an apartment. This explains why 11% of survey respondents ranked this as one of their reasons to rent a house.
“Being able to give each family member a space that they can call their own and recharge in is a key concern for many parents,” Chervenka added.
She explained that more space for a family also means that landlords can expect them to stay in the home longer. “As families have children that stay home, having more bedrooms with attached bathrooms and thoughtfully designed storage means that residents will typically stay in the home longer. This helps reduce turnover and expenses for landlords.”
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