The BTR Edge

In this episode of The BTR Edge, hosts Mark Allen and Lee Robinson sit down with Chris Nebenzahl, Housing Economist at John Burns Research & Consulting, to unpack the state of the Build-to-Rent (BTR) market and how data-driven insights are helping developers, lenders, and investors navigate today’s challenges. Chris shares how John Burns Research & Consulting is interpreting absorption trends, rent growth, and supply dynamics nationwide—plus why townhomes are emerging as the “sweet spot” in the rental market. From affordability pressures to the “lock-in effect” keeping owners in place, this episode reveals how data can guide smarter BTR decisions through 2025 and beyond. Learn more about John Burns Research & Consulting at JBREC.com Key Topics & Timestamps [02:51] Evolution of Build-to-Rent as a Mature Asset Class [05:12] The “Lock-In Effect” and Its Impact on Mobility & Rental Demand [09:47] Balancing Headwinds and Tailwinds in Today’s Housing Market [12:55] How John Burns Research & Consulting Supports Developers & Capital Partners [14:45] Developer Concerns: Using Third-Party Data Without “Killing the Deal” [21:03] It’s a Tough Market: Equity, Debt, and Construction All Squeezed [23:15] What’s Actually Getting Deals Done in 2025 [24:50] Turnover Surprises: Why BTR Tenants Stay Longer Than Expected [26:57] Product Performance: Townhomes vs Detached vs Horizontal Apartments [30:12] Space and Privacy — The True Amenities Driving BTR Success [33:25] Rising Expenses: Property Taxes, Insurance, and Construction Costs [39:31] Regional Hotspots: Midwest & Carolinas Leading the Next Wave This episode is packed with real-world analysis and strategic insight from one of the industry’s top research voices — a must-listen for developers, investors, and BTR operators looking to understand where the market is headed next.

Episode Overview: In this episode of The BTR Edge, hosts Mark Allen and Lee Robinson are joined by Josh Hartmann, CEO of NexMetro, to explore the remarkable journey of building one of the most established platforms in the Build-to-Rent (BTR) industry. From engineering beginnings to pioneering horizontal multifamily, Josh shares how NexMetro has scaled its Avilla Communities brand across the U.S. with a data-driven approach, deep market insight, and a commitment to product consistency. The conversation dives into site selection, design evolution, funding strategies, and how NexMetro is navigating market challenges and investor expectations in 2024 and beyond. Whether you're a developer, investor, or real estate enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical lessons and high-level vision for the future of BTR. Key Topics & Exact Timestamps [02:51] Evolution of Build-to-Rent [03:00] Key Differences Between Purpose-Built BTR and Single-Family Development [06:59] How Cities Are Responding to BTR Projects [07:00] Red Flags to Watch When Evaluating BTR Sites [22:01] Regional Hotspots: Where BTR Is Growing Now [26:56] 2024 Market Outlook and New Project Activity [27:51] Trends Toward Hybrid and Mixed-Use BTR Communities [28:24] Best Practices for Phasing and Sequencing Large BTR Projects [32:29] How Developers Can Reduce Risk and Speed Up Approvals [38:03] Using AI and Technology in Engineering [39:43] Long-Term Maintenance: Private vs Public Infrastructure [44:34] Final Advice for BTR Developers: Due Diligence and Team Selection Stay tuned for more industry-shaping conversations on The BTR Edge—your competitive advantage in the Build-to-Rent space!

In this episode of The BTR Edge, hosts Mark Allen and Lee Robinson sit down with Bruce Larson, Executive Vice President at Bowman Consulting, to break down the critical role of site engineering in Build-to-Rent. Drawing on his experience across 120+ BTR projects nationwide, Bruce shares real-world insights on site selection pitfalls, zoning challenges, construction phasing strategies, regional market differences, and emerging design trends. Whether you’re an active developer, investor, or BTR operator, this conversation delivers actionable advice to reduce risk, move faster, and maximize the long-term performance of your projects. Key Topics & Timestamps: [02:08] Evolution of Build-to-Rent [03:03] Key Differences Between Purpose-Built BTR and Single-Family Development [06:01] How Cities Are Responding to BTR Projects [07:03] Red Flags to Watch When Evaluating BTR Sites [12:13] Regional Hotspots: Where BTR Is Growing Now [20:42] 2024 Market Outlook and New Project Activity [21:48] Trends Toward Hybrid and Mixed-Use BTR Communities [23:49] Best Practices for Phasing and Sequencing Large BTR Projects [29:50] How Developers Can Reduce Risk and Speed Up Approvals [31:18] Engineering Portals for Client Transparency [33:07] Long-Term Maintenance: Private vs Public Infrastructure [38:56] Final Advice for BTR Developers: Due Diligence and Team Selection Stay tuned for more industry-shaping conversations on The BTR Edge—your competitive advantage in the Build-to-Rent space!

From Single-Family Aggregation to BTR Powerhouse with Jackson Su, Managing Partner of Bridge Tower Episode Overview: In this episode of The BTR Edge, we sit down with Jackson Su, Managing Partner of Bridge Tower, to explore the evolution of Build-to-Rent (BTR) from single-family aggregation to vertically integrated development. Jackson shares key insights into market selection, financing strategies, overcoming operational challenges, and the future of the BTR sector. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the space, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Key Topics & Timestamps [02:00] From Investment Banking to Build-to-Rent [05:00] Expanding Bridgetower & Key Market Strategies [08:45] Navigating Capital Markets & Financing [12:30] Construction & Operational Challenges [17:10] Competing with Homebuilders & Market Positioning [22:30] New Richardson, TX Development [27:00] The Future of Build-to-Rent [30:45] Economic Outlook & Market Predictions This episode is packed with valuable insights for investors, developers, and anyone interested in the future of Build-to-Rent. Tune in now!

In this episode of BTR Edge, we sit down with Mark Wolf, CEO of AHV Communities, to dive deep into the Build-to-Rent (BTR) market and why today's development decisions will yield massive returns by 2029. Mark shares firsthand insights on site selection, capital markets, overcoming operational challenges, and how AHV’s vertically integrated model sets them apart in the industry. If you’re looking to stay ahead in BTR, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics & Timestamps: [03:15] From Lender to BTR Pioneer [08:30] The Evolution of AHV’s Development Strategy [14:45] Capital Markets & Investment Challenges [20:10] The Market Outlook: Why 2029 is the Target [26:20] The AHV Competitive Edge: Vertical Integration [32:50] Debunking BTR Myths [38:10] The Future of Build-to-Rent & Investor Opportunities This episode is packed with strategic insights, making it a must-listen for developers, investors, and industry professionals looking to stay ahead in the evolving BTR landscape.