RCKRBX, a multifamily market intelligence platform, has released findings from its inaugural National Renter Demand Indexing study, which reveals significant shifts in renter preferences and a growing misalignment between current market supply and future demand for multifamily properties.
The study delves into how economic conditions, remote work trends, and evolving lifestyle choices are influencing renter decision-making, preferred property types, unit configurations, migration patterns, and the net performance effects on existing properties based on lease renewal and leasing horizons.
Michael Broder, CEO and Co-Founder of RCKRBX, commented on the findings, stating that renter demand and preferences have evolved considerably post-pandemic, creating a disconnect with existing supply and new construction. He noted that developers and asset owners who align their offerings with this new renter mindset are positioned for improved performance, resilience, and value.
Key takeaways from the report include:
Regarding the Economic Outlook & Renewal, 43% of prospective renters believe the economy is improving, while 39% perceive it to be on the wrong track. Despite this polarization, 46% of prospective renters plan to increase their rent budgets for larger spaces and premium amenities in their next move, compared to 20% who anticipate decreasing their budgets. This trend is particularly driven by younger, economically mobile renters seeking new housing options. Only 17% of renters are firmly committed to renewing their current leases. The top rental drivers nationwide include economic conditions (41%), lifestyle/job requirements (30%), not yet settled and not interested in buying a home (25%), and a preference over homeownership (24%).
In terms of Renter Teleworking Dynamics, nearly half of all surveyed renters identify as hybrid or remote workers, with those having more flexible work arrangements generally willing to pay higher rent premiums. Among employed renters (full-time, part-time, or business owners), 54% work fully in-office/onsite, 25% are hybrid (3-4 days in-office), 8% are hybrid (1-2 days in-office), and 13% are fully remote. Hybrid work (3-4 days in-office) peaks among middle-aged renters (35-44) at 28%, while fully remote work increases for the oldest prospective renters (55+) at 23%. Geographically, Texas/Southwest showed the highest percentage of fully in-office renters (63%), whereas the Mid-Atlantic had the highest percentage of fully remote workers (18%).
For Future Unit Demand by Desired Configuration, the study identified significant untapped demand for larger 2- and 3-bedroom units at competitive and premium rental rates, indicating a misalignment with current supply. This gap is projected to widen over the next 36 months. Comparing future renter demand to existing supply: studios represent 4% unit demand versus 12% supply; one-bedroom units are 21% demand versus 41% supply; two-bedroom/junior two-bedroom units account for 52% demand versus 39% supply; and three-bedroom units show 23% demand versus 8% supply.
Renter Decision Criteria indicate that 77% of renters are “Utilitarian,” prioritizing pragmatic aspects like safety, security, rent, and monthly fees. The remaining 23% are “Taste-makers,” driven by amenities, location, pet-friendliness, and other provocative factors. A 1-year lease was the ideal term for 42% of renters, followed by a 2-year lease for 32%.
Regarding the Renter Landscape & Demographics, younger, economically mobile renters are more inclined to consider longer-distance moves, novel lease terms, and different product types, including build-to-rent townhomes and detached single-family options. The 35-44 age group represents the largest segment of current renters at 33%. Approximately 31% of renters have lived in their current city or metro area for over five years, while 24% have resided in their current home for one to two years. The employment breakdown for current renters shows 75% full-time, 9% self-employed, and 6% part-time.
RCKRBX employs proprietary data science and probability-based analytics to enable investors, developers, and owners/operators to evaluate, align, and optimize acquisition strategy, project programming, and go-to-market positioning around future demand and achievable rents. Kevin Hudak, Chief Research Officer at RCKRBX, highlighted that the industry has historically relied on backward-looking indicators. He noted that RCKRBX’s platform provides a more holistic, accurate, and predictive view of a project’s future, its inhabitants, and the premiums they will pay.
The RCKRBX proprietary database incorporates statistically representative renter polling data and associated variables at the zip code level, combined with contextual market information and supply-side data. Survey datasets are updated quarterly and align with US Census geo-demographics. The company adheres to quantitative research industry standards for survey design, sample recruitment, data quality control, and privacy protection. The report is based on a survey of 2,342 prospective renters across the United States, with a statistical margin of error of +/- 2.2%.
RCKRBX will host a webinar to provide a detailed overview of the study findings on November 6, 2025, at 1 PM EST. Information on how to register for the webinar and access the full National Renter Demand Index report can be obtained by contacting RCKRBX@marinopr.com.
RCKRBX is recognized as the first multifamily market intelligence platform offering leading-indicator, demand-side data and predictive performance models derived from comprehensive survey responses. The platform delivers actionable insights into renter preferences and their impact on Net Operating Income (NOI), competitive performance, and returns. RCKRBX’s data model integrates real-time human insights with contextual, supply-side information to identify market opportunities, drivers of demand, and quantify asset value.
