
Sfr Reits are a type of investment that allows you to own a share of a property without directly owning the property itself.
These investments are also known as Real Estate Investment Trusts, which can provide a steady income stream through rental income and property appreciation.
Sfr Reits have gained popularity in recent years due to their potential for long-term growth and relatively lower risk compared to direct property ownership.
Investing in Sfr Reits can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and reduce your reliance on stocks and bonds.
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What is SFR REITs
An SFR REIT owns, operates, manages, or finances single-family rental properties.
REITs can be publicly traded on major stock exchanges or available exclusively through private offerings.
Examples of publicly traded single-family REITs include Invitation Homes and American Homes 4 Rent, two of the largest owners and operators of SFRs in the U.S.
Roofstock One is a good example of a private SFR REIT, where accredited investors can purchase shares of Tracking Stocks that track the economic interests of curated, fully managed SFR properties.
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Benefits and Advantages

Investing in an SFR REIT is a great option for real estate investors who want a hands-off way to invest in SFR property.
REITs deliver competitive total returns based on high, steady dividend income and long-term capital appreciation.
Investors don't own property directly with an SFR REIT, the REIT is responsible for managing the underlying assets.
Each REIT share represents a percentage of ownership, and investors receive a pro-rata percentage of any recurring income and profits generated by the REIT.
REITs have a low correlation with other assets, making them an excellent portfolio diversifier that can help reduce overall portfolio risk and increase returns.
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Investment Opportunities
SFR REITs offer a unique investment opportunity, allowing you to invest in single-family rental properties without directly managing them.
These properties are often in high-demand locations, such as near universities or in affluent neighborhoods, which can lead to higher rental income and property appreciation.
Investing in SFR REITs can provide a steady stream of income, as well as the potential for long-term capital appreciation, making them an attractive option for investors seeking stable returns.
Some SFR REITs have reported average annual returns of 10-15% over the past few years, which is significantly higher than the returns offered by traditional REITs.
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Internal Growth Opportunities

The SFR REITs have a unique opportunity to boost their revenue through internal growth. By implementing revenue management systems, they can optimize rent growth and occupancy, as well as reduce revenue volatility by spreading out lease expirations.
In the past two years, the SFR sector has averaged 4.5% same store revenue growth, outperforming the apartment sector's 3.9%. This outperformance can continue in the near-term as apartments are burdened by excess supply in many cities.
The SFR REITs are also improving their cost controls, which has led to a 170 bps improvement in NOI margins from 2016 to 2017. The average NOI margin for SFR REITs in Q3 2017 was 63.9%, still below the 68.0% average for the apartment sector.
In-house maintenance platforms are being deployed nationwide by AMH and INVH, which should further improve NOI margins. INVH is also pushing its “Smart Home” technology platform, which can save residents money and generate an additional $18 per month in rent.
The SFR REITs are exploring additional sources of ancillary revenue, such as offering smart home technology to residents. This is a departure from traditional rental income and could provide a new revenue stream for the sector.
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Apartment REITs: Renter Nation Beneficiaries

Apartment REITs are a great investment opportunity, especially for those looking to capitalize on the growing trend of renter nation. Apartment REITs cater to young singles, offering studios, one bedroom, and two bedroom units with average sizes ranging from 500 to 1,200 square feet.
They often come with desirable amenities like pools, gyms, and clubhouses, which are particularly appealing to unmarried tenants. Apartments are typically categorized as either urban or suburban, with a mix of both options available.
The renter demographics for apartments show a clear preference for these types of units, with young singles making up a significant portion of the tenant base. Apartment REITs offer a relatively low-maintenance investment option, with fewer roofs, outside walls, and yards to upkeep compared to single-family rentals.
As a result, apartment REITs tend to have a higher net operating income (NOI) margin compared to single-family rental REITs. This makes them an attractive choice for investors looking for a more stable and predictable income stream.
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Risks and Considerations

Rising interest rates may affect the expenses attributable to homes held in an SFR REIT, which could reduce projected returns. This is a significant consideration for investors who are counting on steady returns from their SFR REIT investments.
Rising interest rates can also impact the cost of borrowing for homeowners, potentially reducing demand for housing and negatively impacting SFR REITs.
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Recession Resistance
Residential real estate is often considered recession-resistant because people need a place to live regardless of how poorly the economy is doing. This is evident from the fact that the demand for SFRs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though the economy shut down for an extended period, the demand for SFR homes soared as people moved to larger homes in the suburbs and smaller secondary and tertiary markets.
Interest Rate Increases
Interest Rate Increases can have a significant impact on your investment. Rising interest rates may affect the expenses attributable to homes held in an SFR REIT, which could reduce projected returns.
Higher interest rates can increase the cost of borrowing for homeowners, leading to a decrease in demand and potentially lower property values.
This could result in a reduction in rental income and ultimately affect the overall performance of your investment.
Potential Risks

The growth in NOI for SFR REITs may not be sustainable in the long-term due to rising capital expenditures. Properties acquired within the past few years incurred $10,000-$25,000 per unit in upfront costs to upgrade appliances and deferred capital expenditures.
The initial upgrade program at purchase has likely lowered near-term maintenance costs, with SFR REITs averaging 6.7% of NOI for capex for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 8.1% for apartment REITs.
As homes age, capital expenditures are likely to trend upward, with INVH and AMH averaging 22 and 14 years, respectively. This could lead to a higher capex reserve to account for the risk of increasing costs in the future.
The future political environment also poses a risk to the sector's performance, with potential risks including a return of government subsidies that encourage home ownership, student loan forgiveness, and economic policies that change the trajectory of interest rates.
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Why Invest in SFR REITs

SFR REITs have delivered competitive total returns, based on high, steady dividend income and long-term capital appreciation.
They offer a hands-off way to invest in SFR property, allowing investors to own shares in a REIT that handles the day-to-day management of rental property.
REITs can be a good option for real estate investors who want to diversify their portfolio and reduce risk.
By owning shares in an SFR REIT, investors receive a pro-rata percentage of any recurring income and profits generated by the REIT.
REIT investors don't own property directly, and the REIT is responsible for managing the underlying assets, including screening renters, collecting rent, and maintaining property.
The SFR REIT industry has consolidated over the years, with major advancements in operations producing two viable publicly traded companies: American Homes 4 Rent and Invitation Homes.
Both Boards of Directors are led by industry veterans, giving more credence to the long-term potential of this industry.
SFR REITs have unique attributes that could position them for outsized cash flow growth over the next few years, complementing an overweight position to apartment REITs.
Market Trends and Drivers

The market for SFR REITs is driven by a growing demand for rental housing, with the US population projected to increase by 30 million by 2030.
Many millennials and baby boomers are choosing to rent instead of buy, creating a large and growing market for SFR REITs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, with more people seeking stable and secure housing options.
SFR REITs are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, with a strong track record of delivering stable returns to investors.
The average annual return on investment for SFR REITs is around 8-10%, making them an attractive option for income-seeking investors.
The low-volatility nature of SFR REITs also makes them a popular choice for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios.
SFR REITs have a low correlation with other asset classes, such as stocks and bonds, making them a valuable addition to a diversified investment portfolio.
The largest SFR REITs have a significant presence in the US market, with properties located in major cities and suburban areas.
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Investment Liquidity and Involvement

Directly investing in a single-family rental property typically requires a significant down payment, often 20% or more of the property's value, such as $60,000 for a $300,000 home.
In contrast, investing in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) offers a more liquid option, with publicly traded shares that can be bought and sold on stock trading platforms.
As an SFR REIT investor, you won't have to worry about traditional landlord responsibilities, such as maintenance and repairs, which are handled by the REIT.
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Liquidity
Investors in publicly traded SFR REITs can easily buy and sell shares through stock trading platforms.
This makes their shares highly liquid, similar to any other stock on the market.
In contrast, private REITs may have limited secondary market activity and liquidity, which means investors should be prepared for a long-term investment horizon.
Secondary market activity refers to buying and selling shares after the initial investment, and it's essential to understand the liquidity of a REIT before investing.
For investors looking to quickly exit their investment, publicly traded SFR REITs are a more suitable option.
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Involvement

Directly investing in an SFR property typically requires a down payment of 20% or more. An investor would need to tie up $60,000 in capital plus closing costs to purchase just one home.
Investors who use financing to purchase a rental property may have to access cash reserves to pay the monthly mortgage. This can be a challenge, especially if the property is cash-flow negative due to vacancy or unexpected repairs.
Properties within a SFR REIT are professionally managed and maintained, freeing investors from traditional landlord responsibilities. Taxes, insurance, and homeowner association (HOA) fees are paid by the REIT, and tenancy issues are promptly addressed.
Financial Aspects
SFR REITs, or Single-Family Rental Real Estate Investment Trusts, are a popular way to invest in the housing market. They offer a unique opportunity to generate passive income through rental properties without the hands-on management.
SFR REITs typically have lower property acquisition costs compared to traditional multifamily properties, with an average purchase price of around $250,000 per unit. This lower barrier to entry makes SFR REITs more accessible to individual investors.

One of the key benefits of SFR REITs is their ability to provide stable and predictable cash flows. According to data, SFR REITs have historically maintained occupancy rates above 95%.
SFR REITs often have a lower capital requirements compared to traditional multifamily properties, which can reduce the financial burden on investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many single-family homes are owned by REITs?
REITs own over 200,000 single-family rental houses, providing a significant presence in the residential rental market
Sources
- https://www.hoyacapital.com/income-builder/single-family-rental-reits-save-the-gloom-and-doom
- https://learn.roofstock.com/blog/sfr-reits
- https://chiltoncapital.com/2018/02/02/single-family-reits-consolidating-a-fragmented-industrytemplate/
- https://www.reit.com/news/podcasts/single-family-rental-reits-playing-growing-role-boosting-housing-supply
- https://www.steinbridge.com/millennials-knocking-on-the-door-for-single-family-rentals/
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