Preparing for SFR Success in 2026 and Beyond

As the single-family rental market evolves in unprecedented ways, industry leaders are once again gathering at IMN's highly anticipated SFR West conference, Dec 2-4 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, AZ. In preparation, CoreVest, a long time Sponsor and leading SFR lender, share a wealth of pre-event insights to this essential industry event. From new technology transforming property management, to geographic hotspots, evolving lending criteria, SFR West conference remains indispensable for professionals seeking to capitalize on emerging opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and stay ahead of market trends in the dynamic rental housing ecosystem.

As one of the leading lenders in the SFR space, what key market trends is CoreVest observing for 2026? Which geographic markets are showing the most promise for investors, and how have lending criteria evolved to address current economic conditions?

CoreVest remains highly optimistic about the future of the SFR space as the market matures and stabilizes. Rent growth is moderating – but staying positive – and investor appetite remains strong, especially in markets with job growth, housing undersupply, and demographic tailwinds. We continue to see opportunity in resilient regions like the Midwest, where yields remain attractive and demand steady.

To support investor success, our lending strategy has evolved to reflect current conditions with a disciplined, data-driven approach. We’ve fine-tuned underwriting to focus on sustainability – prioritizing geographic risk mitigation, realistic rent assumptions, and conservative leverage. This allows us to confidently support clients through a shifting but opportunity-rich market landscape.

CoreVest has been a longtime participant at IMN's SFR West Conference. What specific insights or opportunities do you believe attendees will gain at this year's event that they can't get elsewhere? How does the conference help shape your company's strategy for the coming year?

The conference provides exclusive market intelligence and direct access to investors, lenders, and operators that cannot be replicated elsewhere. It’s a forum where CoreVest aligns its strategy with real-time trends and evolving investor needs. Industry discussions on distressed assets and REO opportunities are expected to stand out this year, alongside valuable networking that spans institutional players to emerging investors. These insights help us stay ahead of the curve – whether it’s understanding investor sentiment, uncovering new market trends, or collaborating on solutions to today’s challenges.

The Build-to-Rent sector continues to evolve rapidly. How is CoreVest approaching this growing segment of the market, and what advice would you give to investors looking to enter or expand in the BTR space? 

At the highest level, renting continues to be more affordable than home ownership, and the rental market is taking a bigger share of the housing market. Wage growth has exceeded the growth in rents for the better part of 3 years now. Also, younger people are increasingly seeking newly build product vs older housing stock. Purpose built new units that can offer affordable rents is a very compelling value proposition. We are even seeing national home builders selling more of their inventory to rental operators, and we are very involved in those financings. 

As a result, the Build-to-Rent (BTR) space continues to evolve and attract strong interest.  Success requires more than capital – it demands strategy, partnerships, and a deep understanding of both development and rental operations. At CoreVest, we support this sector with tailored financing solutions, including construction-to-perm loans, lease-up stabilization products and bulk purchase incentives that help investors scale efficiently. As some markets experience over-expansion and cap rate pressure, we guide our clients to focus on realistic rental projections, experienced builders, and markets with long-term demand. Our goal is to help investors navigate complexity with confidence and unlock the full potential of BTR in 2026 and beyond.

What discussions at SFR West are you most looking forward to on this topic?  See agenda.

CoreVest is excited for discussions around Build-for-Rent, housing valuations, and population migration. These topics are key to understanding where the market is headed and how investor strategies are evolving, ultimately helping our team adapt our strategies in ways that ultimately benefit our clients and the broader SFR community. 

How is technology changing the SFR lending landscape? What innovations is CoreVest implementing to streamline the financing process for investors, and how do you see these technological advancements shaping the future of SFR investing? 

Technology is rapidly transforming the SFR space, and CoreVest is at the forefront of that change. We’re leveraging AI, streamlined appraisals, and digital platforms to speed up approvals, improve risk analysis, and give investors more control over their portfolios. Looking ahead, innovations like proptech, blockchain, and predictive analytics will further enhance the lending experience, allowing us to deliver faster, smarter, and more investor-friendly solutions that align with the evolving needs of today’s real estate market.

How would you summarize IMN’s SFR conferences in three words?

Insightful. Collaborative. Transformative.

20% savings on your ticket for SFR West – the largest SFR gathering – register and save.