Episode 100 - The Shadow Market: How Build-to-Rent Developments Threaten Homeownership and Stability

These sources explore the growing national trend of build-to-rent (BTR) housing, where entire neighborhoods are constructed for rental purposes rather than for sale. Several articles highlight the significant increase in BTR developments across Florida, with specific examples in areas like Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Tampa, detailing new communities and the companies behind them. Conversely, one source raises concerns about the negative impact of BTR on homeownership and community stability, using St. Johns County, Florida, as a case study and drawing parallels to issues of deferred maintenance seen in the Florida condo crisis. While proponents emphasize the maintenance-free lifestyle and affordability benefits for renters, critics argue that BTR undermines community investment and can lead to a two-tiered housing market, with some areas actively seeking to prohibit such developments. Overall, the texts offer a multifaceted view of the BTR phenomenon, encompassing its expansion, economic implications, and potential societal challenges.