Key Takeaways from IMN's 2025 Build-to-Rent Forum East
In this week’s blog, I am turning it over to Auben Chattanooga’s Market Director, Jason Weathers. He will be discussing his thoughts and insights on the recent IMN Forum!
The 2025 IMN Build-to-Rent (BTR) Forum East, held at the Grand Hyatt Nashville on March 17-18, convened over 1,000 professionals from the BTR, land, and homebuilding sectors.
Recent trends in the build-to-rent (BTR) market reveal evolving renter preferences as we move through 2025. A notable shift is the increase in renters who choose to rent by preference rather than necessity, rising from 27% in 2023 to 36% in 2024. Despite this growing preference for renting, cost sensitivity remains high among BTR residents. Approximately 43% of these residents indicated they would relocate if they found a better deal or lower rent elsewhere.
Key Highlights from the Conference:
- Market Sentiment and Networking: The forum provided attendees with valuable insights into market dynamics and facilitated networking among industry leaders. Participants emphasized the importance of these interactions in staying abreast of market trends and forging strategic partnerships.
- Focus on Financing Strategies: Discussions centered on private equity, debt structures, and joint venture financing within the land and homebuilding sectors. These conversations highlighted the evolving financial landscape and the need for adaptable strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Technological Integration: The integration of technology in property management emerged as a significant theme. Innovations such as AI-driven predictive maintenance tools, smart home features, and advanced resident engagement platforms are increasingly essential in enhancing operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction.
- Product Diversification: The conference highlighted a shift towards more diverse BTR offerings, including attached products like townhomes. This diversification aims to address varying consumer preferences and affordability concerns, thereby broadening the market appeal of BTR developments.
- Economic Outlook: Experts discussed the potential impact of anticipated rate cuts by the Federal Reserve on the BTR sector. A lower cost of capital is expected to stimulate development activity and attract increased investor interest, contributing to the sector’s growth in the coming years.
The individual panels had much to say about AI’s role in transforming the BTR landscape, emphasizing its potential to drive innovation and create value for both operators and residents.
However, 35% of landlords cite cost as a barrier to adopting new tools, indicating a need for affordable tech solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
1. AI-Powered Smart Leasing & Renewals
- AI-driven chatbots and virtual leasing agents handle inquiries, schedule tours, and process applications in real time.
- Predictive analytics optimize rental pricing based on market trends and tenant demand.
- Personalized lease renewal offers are generated based on individual tenant behavior, improving retention rates.
2. Automated Property Management & Predictive Maintenance
- AI-enabled systems detect maintenance issues before they become costly repairs, such as HVAC failures or plumbing leaks.
- Smart scheduling assigns maintenance requests to technicians efficiently, reducing response times.
- AI-powered cameras and sensors enhance security, monitoring unauthorized access and detecting anomalies.
3. Smart Home Integration & Personalized Living
- AI adjusts lighting, heating, and cooling based on resident preferences and occupancy patterns, improving comfort and energy efficiency.
- Voice-activated AI assistants manage smart home features, from appliance controls to entertainment systems.
- Facial recognition and biometric access provide secure and seamless entry to homes and shared amenities.
Overall, the 2025 IMN Build-to-Rent Forum East underscored the sector’s resilience and adaptability. By embracing innovative financing, technological advancements, and diversified product offerings, the BTR industry is well-positioned to meet evolving market demands and continue its growth trajectory.
Connect with Jason if you have any questions or if you are looking for investment opportunities in the Chattanooga region!
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