The Build-to-Rent (BTR) market has evolved rapidly over the past few years, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of its most transformative yet. As affordability challenges continue to shape the housing market, developers across North America are capitalizing on demand for high-quality, smaller-footprint homes that are designed specifically for long-term rental. One of the smartest moves for developers entering or expanding in this space is to invest in compact house plans that are efficient, affordable to build, and easy to replicate.
Build-to-Rent Growth: The Numbers Behind the Trend
According to Yardi Matrix, the number of single-family rental homes delivered as part of BTR communities grew by more than 40% in 2023, with projections estimating more than 180,000 BTR units will be built nationwide by the end of 2025. Much of this growth is fueled by investors and developers responding to renter demand for the feel of a single-family home without the long-term financial commitment of ownership.
Compact house plans—ranging from about 1,000 to 1,800 square feet—are becoming the sweet spot for these communities. These floor plans offer enough space for renters seeking more privacy and functionality than an apartment, while remaining efficient for builders to construct quickly and affordably.
Why Compact Homes Work for BTR
Smaller homes allow developers to maximize density on land parcels, which is especially important as land prices remain high in many fast-growing suburban areas. Another key driver behind the popularity of compact plans in the BTR space is maintenance. From HVAC systems to roofing, smaller homes come with fewer components to maintain and repair. That’s a significant advantage for developers managing dozens—or even hundreds—of homes in a single community.
Energy efficiency is also a major factor. Smaller homes generally mean lower utility costs, which appeals to environmentally conscious renters and helps developers market the sustainability of their communities. Compact homes are also faster to build, which reduces labor and holding costs for builders working at scale.
The Shift Toward Simplicity and Efficiency
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that the average size of new single-family homes has been declining slightly since the height of the pandemic, signaling a continued interest in smaller homes that meet practical needs without excess square footage. Many renters—especially Millennials and Gen Z—prioritize layout and livability over size. Open-concept living areas, flex spaces for working from home, and well-integrated storage solutions are all top priorities, and these features can be achieved within plans under 2,000 square feet.
House Plans Designed for Repeat Builds
At WL Martin, we’ve seen a notable increase in developers requesting house plans specifically suited for BTR communities. Many are looking for designs that can be built multiple times with minimal changes, simplifying permitting and construction timelines. Features like slab foundations, simple rooflines, and efficient layouts make our plans ideal for the scale and speed that BTR developments require.
For developers looking to include compact or even micro-homes in a rental mix, our Tiny Home Plans are standout options. Many of the tiny home plans offer smart space usage with a full kitchen, living area, and private bedroom—all in a footprint perfect for dense, cost-effective BTR layouts.
Compact Doesn’t Mean Compromise
Build-to-Rent is no longer a niche—it’s a long-term strategy that’s changing the residential development landscape. As more investors and developers enter this space, the demand for versatile, buildable, and renter-friendly home designs will only increase. Choosing the right house plan is a foundational step, and for BTR, compact doesn’t mean compromise—it means opportunity.
Looking for house plans tailored for BTR communities? Explore our collection of homes under 2,000 square feet designed with efficiency, style, and repeat builds in mind.
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