Many renters prefer single-family houses over apartments due to the added space and privacy. However, according to a survey conducted by Point2, there are several other key priorities driving their decisions—with pet-friendliness topping the list.
The survey, which polled over 1,500 prospective house renters, revealed that the leading reason for choosing a rental house was the desire for more privacy (27.7%). Additional reasons included:
- More space (25.2%)
- Access to a yard or garden (15.7%)
- Better accommodations for pets (13.2%)
- Growing family needs (11.7%)
Interestingly, surpassing the need for extra room for a growing family, pet accommodations have become increasingly important for renters. Among survey participants, 68.5% reported renting with pets, while 7.8% were considering adding pets to their household. Furthermore, 23.2% indicated that pet-friendly policies were a critical factor influencing their rental decisions.
Beyond pets, house renters also have specific wish lists, prioritizing:
- Upgraded kitchens (20.9%)
- Additional storage space (14.9%)
- Improved energy efficiency (14.5%)
- More living space (14.4%)
- Larger yards (11.1%)
For those with bigger dreams, the most coveted unconventional features included:
- Sunroom or roof deck (30.8%)
- Workshop or craft room (15.9%)
- Gardening area (15.1%)
- Home gym or yoga studio (14.2%)
- In-home theater room (9.4%)
Notably, while many renters value personalizing their homes, they prefer decorating to renovating. Approximately 41% reported that not being able to renovate their single-family rentals wasn’t a significant concern, with 78% opting to personalize their space through decoration with their own belongings.
When it comes to practicality, essentials often outweigh comfort. Renters prioritized necessities such as heating and air conditioning (68.0%), kitchen appliances (52.6%), in-unit washers and dryers (39.0%), and ample outdoor space (23.9%). Moreover, 45% said that included utilities could justify a rent increase.