Why Renters Are Moving from Apartments to Single-Family Homes — And What It Means for St. Louis Property Management

Across the U.S., a major shift is underway: apartment renters are increasingly moving into single-family homes. According to a recent report by Point2Homes, six in ten new house renters came directly from apartments — a record-high share that’s reshaping the rental landscape.

This trend is accelerating the growth of single-family rentals (SFRs), including build-to-rent communities and suburban neighborhoods with spacious, private homes. For St. Louis property owners and managers, this is more than just a trend — it’s a strategic opportunity.

What’s Driving the Shift to Single-Family Rentals?

  • More space and privacy: Renters want home offices, private yards, and room to grow — especially remote workers and young families.
  • Affordability: With mortgage payments averaging $2,504/month and rents around $1,776, many find renting a home more practical than buying.
  • Changing lifestyle needs: The rise of remote and hybrid work has made space a top priority, making apartments less appealing.

Between 2015 and 2025, the number of completed build-to-rent homes in the U.S. jumped from 3,800 to nearly 39,000 — and over half of these are three-bedroom homes, now the most in-demand size.

What This Means for St. Louis Property Management

St. Louis renters are following national patterns, favoring single-family homes over apartments for the same reasons — more space, flexible living, and neighborhood stability.

The average rent in St. Louis is currently around $1,395, which is about 25% below the national average. That affordability sweet spot makes the area very attractive to renters seeking homes instead of cramped apartments.

Hot Spots in St. Louis

  • Central West End & Forest Park South East – Higher-end rentals with strong demand and amenities.
  • Dutchtown, Bevo Mill & Wells Goodfellow – More affordable areas perfect for value-focused families or investors scaling SFR portfolios.

Opportunities for Property Owners & Managers

  • Acquire or convert more single-family rentals to meet the growing demand.
  • Target your marketing to families, remote workers, and millennials seeking long-term space and stability.
  • Upgrade properties with home offices, fenced yards, and smart home tech — all major renter draws.

Property managers who stay ahead of this trend will capture long-term tenants who value privacy, security, and flexibility — something apartments simply can’t deliver anymore.

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Conclusion

St. Louis is primed for growth in the single-family rental market. Whether you're an investor looking to expand or a property manager like us at Avenue Real Estate Group, the key is adapting to what renters are actually looking for: more room, more privacy, and more lifestyle flexibility.

Contact us to learn how we can help you manage or lease your single-family rentals across the St. Louis metro area.

Find more info on our St. Louis Property Managers at PropertyManagementSTL.com