# Build-to-Rent Starts Fall in Q2 2026, Still Historically Elevated

> NAHB estimates about 15,000 single-family built-for-rent starts in Q2 2026, down from 18,000 a year earlier; BTR is 6.9% of single-family starts.

- Section: News › Markets & Data
- Tags: Single-Family Rental & Build-to-Rent
- Author: Uassist.ME Editorial Team
- Publisher: Published by Uassist.ME (https://uassistme.com)
- Published: 2026-10-17
- Last updated: 2026-10-18
- Canonical: https://leasingsignal.com/multifamily/build-to-rent-starts-decline-q2-2026/

## Key takeaways

- About 15,000 single-family built-for-rent units started in Q2 2026, vs. 18,000 in Q2 2025 (NAHB).
- The four-quarter total was 63,000 starts, down 16% year over year.
- BTR's share was 6.9% of single-family starts, below the 9.0% peak in Q3 2024.

## How many build-to-rent homes are being started?

NAHB's analysis of Census data shows approximately 15,000 single-family built-for-rent starts in Q2 2026, down from 18,000 in Q2 2025. Over the trailing four quarters there were 63,000 starts, 16% below the prior year's 75,000.

## Is build-to-rent losing share?

BTR accounted for 6.9% of single-family starts, below its 9.0% peak in Q3 2024 but still elevated compared with historical norms, according to NAHB.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many build-to-rent homes are being started?

NAHB's analysis of Census data shows approximately 15,000 single-family built-for-rent starts in Q2 2026, down from 18,000 in Q2 2025. Over the trailing four quarters there were 63,000 starts, 16% below the prior year's 75,000.

### Is build-to-rent's share of single-family construction shrinking?

BTR accounted for 6.9% of single-family starts, below its 9.0% peak in Q3 2024 but still elevated compared with historical norms, according to NAHB.

### Where do these figures come from?

Every figure is attributed in the text and linked in the numbered Sources list (1 source, with publication dates where available). Vendor figures are labeled vendor-reported.

## Sources

1. [NAHB Eye on Housing: Second Quarter Declines for Single-Family Built-to-Rent](https://eyeonhousing.org/2026/08/second-quarter-declines-for-single-family-built-to-rent/) (2026-08-21)