Property enthusiasts, buckle up. We’re about to dive into our Annual Rent Report for Q4 2020 through Q2 2024. Let’s go over the latest scoop as far as trends, challenges, and golden opportunities in the world of renting across the USA.
So, what’s the latest buzz? Rent prices are still on the rise, with the national average bumping up by 10% in 2024 to hit an average of $1,312. However, don’t expect fireworks just yet—rent growth has been taking its time this summer. While this season usually cranks up the pace with the summer moving frenzy, this year, things seem a bit more chill. Looks like we’re in for another slow summer in the rental market. Hang tight, though; there’s still more to look forward to this year!
Disclaimer: This article provides a preview of our "Guide to Rental Market Trends: Digital Payments, Listings, and Single-Family Rentals (Q4 2020 - Q2 2024)." To explore the latest trends in the rental market from October 2020 to April 2024, download our free digest here.
Rent Payments and Online Transactions
Welcome to the future of rental payments, where checks and cash are taking a backseat to sleek, modern digital options! The shift towards digital payments is all about speed, convenience, and rock-solid security. Here’s what you need to know:
What’s Hot?
Digital payments are in the spotlight, with options like debit/credit cards, direct bank transfers, Stripe, Venmo, PayPal, and even cryptocurrency leading the charge. Among these, debit payments are stealing the show with their perfect mix of security and practicality.
Why Debit Payments Rock
Debit transactions are directly linked to your bank account, making them super straightforward. Unlike credit cards, which can come with pesky fees and the risk of debt, debit payments keep things clear and simple. No overdraft fees, just smooth and efficient transactions with a handy record of every payment.
Navigating the Rules
While digital payments, including debit, are a game-changer, it's crucial for landlords and tenants to keep up with evolving regulations. With rental payment laws getting more complex, knowing the ins and outs of each platform is key to avoiding hiccups like delayed payments, privacy breaches, and sloppy record-keeping.
What’s Next
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, emerging tech like blockchain and AI could take rent payments to the next level, making them even more secure and efficient. Staying on top of these advancements and mastering debit payments will help you rock this new era of rental transactions.
So, get ready to embrace the digital shift and make your rental payment game smoother and smarter!
How rent was paid (TenantCloud data*):
Payment Method | Q4 2020 | Q4 2021 | Q4 2022 |
| ACH (combined) | 48.65% | 62.93% | 81.40% |
| Check | 11.78% | 11.08% | 8.33% |
| Cash | 11.71% | 11.08% | 0.32% |
| Cashier's check | 1.17% | 1.11% | 0.88% |
| Credit card | 0.69% | 0.86% | 0.62% |
| Electronic payment | 9.15% | 8% | 5.86% |
| Financial Transfer (EFT) | 1.39% | 1.88% | 1.99% |
| Other payment method | 15.46% | 3.06% | 0.60% |
Rent Data by States YoY
The trend over 2020-2023 years indicates a steady increase in the national average rent, with some states experiencing higher rates of increase than others. The highest rent increases were observed in states like Nevada (14%), Massachusetts (13%), and Delaware (13%), reflecting significant demand and possibly other economic factors. States like Alaska and Delaware also experienced fluctuations, with some years showing decreases in rent prices. The overall trend highlights the varying dynamics of the rental market across different states.
Listings (Q4 2020 - Q2 2024)*
From 2020 to mid-2024, the rental market has been on a rollercoaster, influenced by economic shifts and social trends. Here’s the scoop:
Applications Per Listing: We’ve seen a dramatic drop in applications per listing, plummeting from 3.5 in early 2020 to just 1.0 by mid-2024. This drop is largely due to Gen Z and Millennials heading back to live with their parents, a trend fueled by economic uncertainty, the impact of COVID-19, and the aftermath of the Great Resignation.
Days on Market to First Lead: Listings used to get snatched up quickly, with an average of just 2.2 days in mid-2021. But that speedy trend has recently hit the brakes, rising to 4.7 days by mid-2024. This slowdown hints at a sluggish renter response, likely influenced by ongoing economic pressures and evolving living arrangements.
National Vacancy Rate: On the bright side, the national vacancy rate has stayed steady, hanging around 6.6% from 2023 through early 2024. This consistency points to a balanced supply and demand in the rental market, even as other metrics have wobbled.
These trends paint a picture of a rental market adjusting to the long-lasting effects of the pandemic and economic changes, shifting housing preferences, and evolving renter behavior.
| Q4 2020 | Q4 2021 | Q4 2022 | |||
| State | Average Rent | Average Rent | YoY % Change | Average Rent | YoY % Change |
| National | $1,019 | $1,047 | 3% | $1,080 | 3% |
| Alabama (AL) | $760 | $782 | 3% | $830 | 6% |
| Alaska (AK) | $1,384 | $1,298 | -6% | 1,331 | 3% |
| Arizona (AZ) | $1,001 | $1,054 | 5% | 1,126 | 6% |
| Arkansas (AR) | $724 | $750 | 4% | 752 | 0% |
| California (CA) | $1,584 | $1,666 | 5% | 1,671 | 0% |
| Colorado (CO) | $1,102 | $1,186 | 8% | 1,304 | 9% |
To explore the latest trends in the rental market from October 2020 to April 2024, download our free digest here.
Renters vs Owners
Guess what? The median age for first-time homebuyers in the U.S. just hit a record high of 36 years. What’s behind this rise: Sky-high housing costs and mortgage rates making it tough for younger folks trying to snag their first home. Back in 2021, the average age of first-time buyers was 33, but with prices soaring and Fed rate hikes shaking things up, that age has since creeped up.
So, who’s buying homes these days? Baby boomers (58-76) are now ruling the roost, making up a whopping 39% of the homebuyer market in 2022, up from 29% the year before. Millennials? Not as much—only 28% of buyers were millennials in 2022.
Millennials have faced their own set of challenges, weathering the dot-com bubble burst and Great Recession as young adults and again later on during the pandemic. It’s safe to say that these unprecedented times have affected wage growth and home buying dreams for many, and that’s no exception for Gen Y. Right now, homebuyers are up against a market with slim inventory, sky-high prices, and mortgage rates over 7.1%. The national median home price has jumped to $442,600 as of July 2024, from $398,000 earlier this year.
Early Predictions for the 2025 Housing Market
The housing market remains resilient despite high mortgage rates, driven by strong demand and limited supply. Experts agree that a significant crash is unlikely, with any price corrections expected to be modest. Buyers face affordability challenges, but the overall market stability is underpinned by strict lending standards and low foreclosure rates. As a result, home prices are expected to remain firm with the potential for modest increases, reinforcing the importance of strategic planning for both buyers and sellers in this competitive market.
Stay Ahead in the Rental Market with Exclusive TenantCloud Insights
The rental market is dynamic and full of opportunities for those who stay informed. Our comprehensive digest, enriched with exclusive TenantCloud data, covers the rental market trends from Q4 2020 to Q2 2024.
Get your free copy today and unlock the power of exclusive TenantCloud data!
