The house price to rent ratio index in the U.S. declined in the second half of 2022 and remained stable until the end of 2024, indicating that house price growth slowed down compared to rental growth. At its peak, in the second quarter of 2022, the index stood at 140.5. House prices increased dramatically since the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, rents have grown notably, but at a slower rate. What does the house price to rent ratio index measure? The house-price-to-rent-ratio measures the evolution of house prices compared to rents. It is calculated by dividing the median house price by the median annual rent. In this statistic, the values have been normalized with 100 equaling the 2015 ratio. Consequentially, a value under 100 means that rental rates have risen more than house prices. Compared to the OECD countries average, the gap between house prices and rents in the United States was wider. The house price to rent ratio in different countries The house price to rent ratio in the United Kingdom continued to increase in the second half of 2022, but growth softened, as the housing market cooled. On the other hand, the index in Germany fell drastically between the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2023. A similar trend was observed in France.

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are used to determine payment standard amounts for the Housing Choice Voucher program, to determine initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, to determine initial rents for housing assistance payment (HAP) contracts in the Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy program (Mod Rehab), rent ceilings for rental units in both the HOME Investment Partnerships program and the Emergency Solution Grants program, calculation of maximum award amounts for Continuum of Care recipients and the maximum amount of rent a recipient may pay for property leased with Continuum of Care funds, and calculation of flat rents in Public Housing units. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually estimates FMRs for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defined metropolitan areas, some HUD defined subdivisions of OMB metropolitan areas and each nonmetropolitan county. 42 USC 1437f requires FMRs be posted at least 30 days before they are effective and that they are effective at the start of the federal fiscal year (generally October 1).

The U.S. multifamily housing market has experienced a significant increase in supply over the past 10 years. In 2023, the number of units completed reached 450,000 units, marking a notable increase from the previous year's 368,000 units. This uptick comes after a period of a spike in multifamily construction starts. Nevertheless, forecasts suggest a decline in future supply as construction starts decline in 2024 and 2025. Despite these fluctuations, multifamily housing remains a significant share of the U.S. housing stock. Multifamily buildings are a popular choice among renters, with approximately 21 million American households occupying a rental home in a residential building with more than two units.

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) represent the estimated amount (base rent + essential utilities) that a property in a given area typically rents for. The data are primarily used to determine payment standard amounts for the Housing Choice Voucher program. However, FMRs are also used to determine initial renewal rents for expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, determine initial rents for housing assistance payment (HAP) contracts in the Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy program (Mod Rehab), rent ceilings for rental units in both the HOME Investment Partnerships program and the Emergency Solution Grants (ESG) program, calculate of maximum award amounts for Continuum of Care recipients and the maximum amount of rent a recipient may pay for property leased with Continuum of Care funds, and calculate flat rent amounts in Public Housing Units.

The monthly rent of mobile homes in the U.S. has gradually increased since 2010, peaking in 2024. In the third quarter of that year, the average monthly rent for manufactured homes was 717 U.S. dollars. Similarly, apartment rents also soared in 2022, followed by a slight decline in the next two years. Where in the U.S. are manufactured homes most popular? States with a growing economy and large population provide the best opportunities for manufactured housing. In September 2023, Texas had the highest number of mobile homes in the United States. Other states with a high number of mobile homes were North Carolina and Florida. Moreover, Texas also boasted the highest number of manufactured home production plants. Affordability of mobile homes across the U.S. Manufactured homes are considerably less expensive than regular homes, which makes them an attractive option for people looking to purchase property without breaking the bank. Mobile homes are cheaper because manufacturers benefit from economies of scale due to large-scale production, which allows them to lower costs per unit. Additionally, mobile homes lose value faster than traditional homes, which can make them more affordable to purchase initially. The average sales price for a new mobile home has been on the rise, but during the housing boom in 2021, it increased dramatically.

Virginia (VA) has the 19th highest rent in the country out of 56 states and territories. The Fair Market Rent in Virginia ranges from $701 for a 2-bedroom apartment in Grayson County, VA to $1,765 for a 2-bedroom unit in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area.

For FY 2024, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area (Arlington County) rent for a studio or efficiency is $1,772 per month and $3,015 per month to rent a house or an apartment with 4 bedrooms. The average Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Virginia is $1,056 per month.

Approximately 15% of Americans qualify for some level of housing assistance. The population in Virginia is around 2,038,847 people. So, there are around 305,827 people in Virginia who could be receiving housing benefits from the HUD. For FY 2025, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area (Arlington County) rent for a studio or efficiency is $2,012 per month and $3,413 per month to rent a house or an apartment with 4 bedrooms. The average Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Virginia is $1,059 per month.

The median rent for one- and two-bedroom apartments in Los Angeles, California, amounted to about 2,057 U.S. dollars in January 2025. Rents soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rental growth hitting 16.5 percent in March 2022. This trend has since reversed, with growth turning negative in May 2023. Among the different states in the U.S., California ranks as the second most expensive rental market after Hawaii.

Rental vacancy rates across the United States showed significant regional differences in 2024, with the South experiencing the highest rate at 8.7 percent. This disparity reflects broader demographic shifts and economic factors influencing the rental market. The regional variations in vacancy rates have persisted despite an overall decline since 2014, highlighting the complex dynamics of the U.S. housing landscape. Rental demand and affordability challenges The rental market continues to face pressure from high demand, particularly among younger demographics. People under 30 comprise the largest share of American renters, with approximately 42 million in this age group. Despite softening rents in some areas, affordability remains a significant issue. In 2023, 42.5 percent of renters paid gross rent exceeding 35 percent of their income, indicating widespread financial strain among tenants. Regional disparities and market trends The Northeast and West regions, which include many large urban areas, have consistently lower vacancy rates compared to the Midwest and South. This trend aligns with population shifts towards these regions, fueling higher home prices growth. The rental market has shown signs of stabilization in 2023, with the number of vacant homes for rent slightly picking up after two years of record-low vacancy.

Build-to-Rent Housing Market Outlook

As per our latest research, the global Build-to-Rent (BTR) housing market size reached USD 74.3 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust expansion driven by rising demand for professionally managed rental communities. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 192.2 billion by 2033. This impressive growth trajectory is primarily fueled by evolving lifestyle preferences, increasing urbanization, and a shift in housing affordability, which are collectively redefining the residential real estate landscape worldwide.

One of the most significant growth factors for the Build-to-Rent housing market is the changing demographic profile of urban populations. Young professionals and millennials increasingly prioritize flexibility and convenience over homeownership, leading to a surge in demand for rental properties that offer modern amenities and community-centric living. The BTR model, with its professionally managed services, maintenance support, and enhanced communal facilities, appeals strongly to this demographic. Additionally, the growing number of digital nomads and remote workers is further amplifying the need for adaptable, high-quality rental housing, particularly in metropolitan areas and emerging urban centers.

Another major driver for the Build-to-Rent housing market is the ongoing affordability crisis in many global cities. Escalating property prices and stringent mortgage requirements have made homeownership unattainable for a significant portion of the population, especially in North America and Europe. As a result, institutional investors and real estate developers are capitalizing on this opportunity by expanding their BTR portfolios. The stable, long-term rental income streams offered by BTR assets are particularly attractive to pension funds, insurance companies, and private equity firms seeking diversification and resilience in their investment portfolios.

Technological advancements and innovation in construction methods are also catalyzing the growth of the Build-to-Rent housing market. The adoption of modular and prefabricated construction techniques is enabling developers to accelerate project timelines, reduce costs, and improve sustainability outcomes. These methods are particularly suited to the BTR model, where speed to market and operational efficiency are critical. Furthermore, the integration of smart home technologies and digital management platforms is enhancing tenant experiences and operational transparency, thereby increasing the appeal of BTR properties to both residents and investors.

Regionally, North America and Europe continue to dominate the Build-to-Rent housing market, accounting for a combined market share of over 65% in 2024. However, Asia Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, driven by rapid urbanization, rising middle-class populations, and supportive government policies. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing growing interest in the BTR model, particularly in gateway cities with expanding expatriate communities and young workforces. The regional outlook for the BTR market remains highly positive, underpinned by favorable demographic trends and increasing investor appetite for income-generating real estate assets.

Property Type Analysis

The Build-to-Rent housing market is segmented by property type into single-family homes, multi-family apartments, townhouses, and others. Among these, multi-family apartments currently hold the largest market share, accounting for over 55% of the global BTR inventory in 2024. The preference for multi-family developments is rooted in their efficient land use, scalability, and ability to offer a wide array of amenities such as gyms, co-working spaces, and communal lounges. These features are highly attractive to young professionals and urban dwellers seeking community engagement and convenience. Furthermore, mul

The global housing rental service platform market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing urbanization, the rising popularity of short-term rentals, and the expanding adoption of technology in property management. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $50 billion, demonstrating significant expansion from its historical period. This growth is projected to continue at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated market value of $150 billion by 2033. Key drivers include the convenience and efficiency offered by online platforms, enabling property owners to manage their listings and tenants to search and book properties easily. Furthermore, the integration of advanced features such as virtual tours, online payment processing, and sophisticated search filters enhances user experience and drives market expansion. Emerging trends, such as the integration of AI for property pricing and tenant screening, along with the rise of subscription-based rental models, are further fueling market growth. However, regulatory challenges related to data privacy and fair housing practices, as well as competition from traditional real estate agencies, pose some restraints on market growth. The competitive landscape is highly dynamic, with a mix of established players like Zillow, Trulia, and RealPage, and innovative startups such as Rentberry and Spotahome vying for market share. Geographic expansion into emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America, presents significant opportunities for growth. Companies are increasingly focusing on enhancing their platforms’ functionalities by integrating advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to improve tenant screening, property valuation, and risk management. Differentiation strategies, such as offering specialized services catering to specific demographics or property types, are also becoming increasingly crucial for success in this competitive market. The overall outlook remains positive, with substantial growth potential driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences.

Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs) are FMRs calculated for ZIP Codes. Small Area FMRs are required to be used to set Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in areas designated by HUD (available here). Other Housing Agencies operating in non-designated metropolitan areas or non-metropolitan counties may opt-in to the use of Small Area FMRs. Furthermore, Small Area FMRs may be used as the basis for setting Exception Payment Standards – PHAs may set exception payment standards up to 110 percent of the Small Area FMR. PHAs administering Public Housing units may use Small Area FMRs as an alternative to metropolitan area-wide FMRs when calculating Flat Rents. Please See HUD’s Small Area FMR Final Rule for additional information regarding the uses of Small Area FMRs.

Fair Market RentsThis National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) dataset, shared as a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) feature layer, displays fair market rents (FMR) in the United States. According to HUD, "Fair Market Rents (FMRs) represent the estimated amount (base rent + essential utilities) that a property in a given area typically rents for. The data are primarily used to determine payment standard amounts for the Housing Choice Voucher program. However, FMRs are also used to determine initial renewal rents for expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, determine initial rents for housing assistance payment (HAP) contracts in the Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy program (Mod Rehab), rent ceilings for rental units in both the HOME Investment Partnerships program and the Emergency Solution Grants (ESG) program, calculate of maximum award amounts for Continuum of Care recipients and the maximum amount of rent a recipient may pay for property leased with Continuum of Care funds, and calculate flat rent amounts in Public Housing Units."Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)Data currency: current Federal service (Fair Market Rents)NGDAID: 122 (Fair Market Rents (Fair Market Rents For The Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program) - National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA))For more information, please visit: Fair Market RentsSupport documentation: Fair Market Rents (FMRs)For feedback, please contact: Esri_US_Federal_Data@esri.comNGDA Data SetThis data set is part of the NGDA Real Property Theme Community. Per the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC), Real Property is defined as "the spatial representation (location) of real property entities, typically consisting of one or more of the following: unimproved land, a building, a structure, site improvements and the underlying land. Complex real property entities (that is "facilities") are used for a broad spectrum of functions or missions. This theme focuses on spatial representation of real property assets only and does not seek to describe special purpose functions of real property such as those found in the Cultural Resources, Transportation, or Utilities themes."For other NGDA Content: Esri Federal Datasets

Price to Rent Ratio in the United States increased to 134.20 in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 133.60 in the third quarter of 2024. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for the United States Price to Rent Ratio.

Rent estimates at the 50th percentile (or median) are calculated for all Fair Market Rent areas. Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are primarily used to determine payment standard amounts for the Housing Choice Voucher program, to determine initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, to determine initial rents for housing assistance payment (HAP) contracts in the Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy program (Mod Rehab), and to serve as a rent ceiling in the HOME rental assistance program. FMRs are gross rent estimates. They include the shelter rent plus the cost of all tenant-paid utilities, except telephones, cable or satellite television service, and internet service. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually estimates FMRs for 530 metropolitan areas and 2,045 nonmetropolitan county FMR areas. Under certain conditions, as set forth in the Interim Rule (Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 191, Monday October 2, 2000, pages 58870-58875), these 50th percentile rents can be used to set success rate payment standards.

Housing Rental Platform Market Outlook

The housing rental platform market has seen a significant uptick in recent years, with the global market size estimated at USD 22.6 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 12.4% from 2024 to 2032, reaching an estimated USD 72.4 billion by 2032. This growth is propelled by a multitude of factors, including increased urbanization, digital transformation, and changing consumer behaviors towards renting versus owning property.

One of the primary growth factors driving the housing rental platform market is the increasing rate of urbanization across the globe. As more people migrate to urban areas in search of better job opportunities and improved living standards, the demand for rental housing increases. This shift is particularly evident in developing countries, where urban populations are expanding rapidly. Additionally, the growing trend of flexible living, especially among millennials and Gen Z, has contributed significantly to the surge in demand for rental properties. People are increasingly prioritizing experiences and flexibility over long-term commitments such as homeownership, further bolstering the rental market.

Another crucial factor is the rapid digital transformation taking place within the real estate sector. Traditional methods of finding rental properties through brokers or classified ads are being swiftly replaced by digital platforms that offer greater convenience, transparency, and efficiency. Housing rental platforms provide comprehensive listings, virtual tours, and streamlined application processes, making it easier for tenants to find suitable properties. Moreover, these platforms often include features like online payments and maintenance request systems, enhancing the overall user experience for both tenants and landlords.

Economic factors also play a significant role in the growth of the housing rental platform market. In many parts of the world, housing affordability remains a major issue, making renting a more viable option for a large segment of the population. Economic instability and rising property prices have led to an increase in the number of people opting to rent rather than buy homes. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of flexibility in living arrangements, further accelerating the shift towards rental housing.

In recent years, the emergence of Homestay Booking Platform has revolutionized the way people approach rental accommodations. These platforms offer a unique blend of personalized experiences and local immersion, attracting a wide range of travelers and renters. Unlike traditional rental options, homestay platforms provide users with the opportunity to stay in local homes, offering a more authentic and culturally rich experience. This trend is particularly appealing to millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize experiences over material possessions. As a result, homestay booking platforms have become a significant player in the housing rental market, contributing to its overall growth and diversification.

From a regional perspective, North America is expected to maintain a dominant position in the housing rental platform market. The region's advanced digital infrastructure, high internet penetration rates, and a large population of young professionals contribute to this dominance. In contrast, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate, driven by rapid urbanization, increased smartphone penetration, and rising disposable incomes. Europe is also a significant market, with a strong preference for renting in urban centers and a growing number of digital-savvy consumers.

Property Type Analysis

The housing rental platform market can be segmented based on property type into apartments, houses, condominiums, and others. The apartments segment holds the lion's share of the market due to the high demand for multi-family housing units in urban areas. Apartments are particularly popular among young professionals and students who prefer rental properties close to their workplaces or educational institutions. The convenience of amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, and security services offered by apartment complexes further enhances their appeal.

Houses form another significant segmen

VITAL SIGNS INDICATOR List Rents (EC9)

FULL MEASURE NAME List Rents

LAST UPDATED October 2016

DESCRIPTION List rent refers to the advertised rents for available rental housing and serves as a measure of housing costs for new households moving into a neighborhood, city, county or region.

DATA SOURCE real Answers (1994 – 2015) no link

Zillow Metro Median Listing Price All Homes (2010-2016) http://www.zillow.com/research/data/

CONTACT INFORMATION vitalsigns.info@mtc.ca.gov

METHODOLOGY NOTES (across all datasets for this indicator) List rents data reflects median rent prices advertised for available apartments rather than median rent payments; more information is available in the indicator definition above. Regional and local geographies rely on data collected by real Answers, a research organization and database publisher specializing in the multifamily housing market. real Answers focuses on collecting longitudinal data for individual rental properties through quarterly surveys. For the Bay Area, their database is comprised of properties with 40 to 3,000+ housing units. Median list prices most likely have an upward bias due to the exclusion of smaller properties. The bias may be most extreme in geographies where large rental properties represent a small portion of the overall rental market. A map of the individual properties surveyed is included in the Local Focus section.

Individual properties surveyed provided lower- and upper-bound ranges for the various types of housing available (studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, etc.). Median lower- and upper-bound prices are determined across all housing types for the regional and county geographies. The median list price represented in Vital Signs is the average of the median lower- and upper-bound prices for the region and counties. Median upper-bound prices are determined across all housing types for the city geographies. The median list price represented in Vital Signs is the median upper-bound price for cities. For simplicity, only the mean list rent is displayed for the individual properties. The metro areas geography rely upon Zillow data, which is the median price for rentals listed through www.zillow.com during the month. Like the real Answers data, Zillow's median list prices most likely have an upward bias since small properties are underrepresented in Zillow's listings. The metro area data for the Bay Area cannot be compared to the regional Bay Area data. Due to afore mentioned data limitations, this data is suitable for analyzing the change in list rents over time but not necessarily comparisons of absolute list rents. Metro area boundaries reflects today’s metro area definitions by county for consistency, rather than historical metro area boundaries.

Due to the limited number of rental properties surveyed, city-level data is unavailable for Atherton, Belvedere, Brisbane, Calistoga, Clayton, Cloverdale, Cotati, Fairfax, Half Moon Bay, Healdsburg, Hillsborough, Los Altos Hills, Monte Sereno, Moranga, Oakley, Orinda, Portola Valley, Rio Vista, Ross, San Anselmo, San Carlos, Saratoga, Sebastopol, Windsor, Woodside, and Yountville.

Inflation-adjusted data are presented to illustrate how rents have grown relative to overall price increases; that said, the use of the Consumer Price Index does create some challenges given the fact that housing represents a major chunk of consumer goods bundle used to calculate CPI. This reflects a methodological tradeoff between precision and accuracy and is a common concern when working with any commodity that is a major component of CPI itself. Percent change in inflation-adjusted median is calculated with respect to the median price from the fourth quarter or December of the base year.

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) represent the estimated amount (base rent + essential utilities) that a property in a given area typically rents for. The data is primarily used to determine payment standard amounts for the Housing Choice Voucher program; however, FMRs are also used to:Determine initial renewal rents for expiring project-based Section 8 contracts;Determine initial rents for housing assistance payment (HAP) contracts in the Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy program (Mod Rehab), rent ceilings for rental units in both the HOME Investment Partnerships program and the Emergency Solution Grants (ESG) program;Calculate of maximum award amounts for Continuum of Care recipients and the maximum amount of rent a recipient may pay for property leased with Continuum of Care funds, and;Calculate flat rent amounts in Public Housing Units.Data is updated annualy in accordance with 42 USC 1437f which requires FMRs be posted at least 30 days before they are effective and that they are effective at the start of the federal fiscal year, October 1st.In order to calculate rents for units with more than four bedrooms, an extra 15% cost is added to the four bedroom unit value. The formula is to multiply the four bedroom rent by 1.15. For example, in FY21 the rent for a four bedroom unit in the El Centro, California Micropolitan Statistical Area is $1,444. The rent for a five bedroom unit would be $1,444 * 1.15 or $1,661. Each subsequent bedroom is an additional 15%. A six bedroom unit would be $1,444 * 1.3 or $1,877. These values are not included in the feature service.To learn more about Fair Market Rents visit: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html/, for questions about the spatial attribution of this dataset, please reach out to us at GISHelpdesk@hud.gov. Data Dictionary: DD_Fair Market Rents Date of Coverage: FY2026 : Oct. 1 - Sept. 30

What is Rental Data?

Rental data encompasses detailed information about residential rental properties, including single-family homes, multifamily units, and large apartment complexes. This data often includes key metrics such as rental prices, occupancy rates, property amenities, and detailed property descriptions. Advanced rental datasets integrate listings directly sourced from property management software systems, ensuring real-time accuracy and eliminating reliance on outdated or scraped information.

Additional Rental Data Details

The rental data is sourced from over 20,000 property managers via direct feeds and property management platforms, covering over 30 percent of the national rental housing market for diverse and broad representation. Real-time updates ensure data remains current, while verified listings enhance accuracy, avoiding errors typical of survey-based or scraped datasets. The dataset includes 14+ million rental units with detailed descriptions, rich photography, and amenities, offering address-level granularity for precise market analysis. Its extensive coverage of small multifamily and single-family rentals sets it apart from competitors focused on premium multifamily properties.

Rental Data Includes:

• Property Types
• Single-Family Rentals
• Small Multi-family Units
• Premium Apartments
• 16,000+ ZIP Codes
• 800+ MSAs
• Pricing Trends
• Lease Terms Amenities

The number of vacant homes for rent in the United States increased for the third year in a row in 2024, after reaching a record low in 2021. In the fourth quarter of 2024, there were approximately 3.4 million unoccupied housing units for rent.