The Build-to-Rent Revolution: Quinn Residences Meets Changing Housing Needs

Written by:

Steve Marcinuk

Date:

24 Jun 2025

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“The American Dream is evolving,” says Richard Ross, CEO of Quinn Residences, a leader in the rapidly growing build-to-rent (BTR) housing sector. “Home ownership isn’t the ultimate goal for many Americans anymore. The path of going to college, getting a job, finding a partner, buying a house, and living there for 30 years just isn’t what younger generations are pursuing.”

This fundamental shift in housing preferences has fueled Quinn Residences’ remarkable growth. Founded in February 2020, just weeks before pandemic lockdowns began, the company has rapidly built a portfolio of 5,200 homes across 34 communities throughout the southeastern United States.

A Housing Revolution Born from Market Forces

Build-to-rent represents a fundamental shift in the housing landscape. Unlike traditional single-family rentals scattered throughout existing neighborhoods, BTR developments are entire communities designed specifically for renters.

“Build-to-rent means we construct entire contiguous communities for rent,” Ross explains. “We’re not buying existing homes, we’re creating new housing supply.”

This model has gained tremendous momentum due to several converging market forces. America faces a persistent housing shortage estimated between four and six million homes. “Since the 2008 financial crisis, we simply haven’t built enough homes in this country,” Ross notes.

This supply constraint coincides with significant demographic shifts as millennials enter life stages requiring more space than apartments typically provide. The pandemic accelerated this trend dramatically.

“People want out of sharing hallways and living in small apartments,” Ross says. “When you combine severe supply shortage with huge demand, you create the perfect conditions for a new housing solution.”

The Rise of “Renters by Choice”

The most compelling aspect of Quinn’s business model is its focus on what Ross calls “renters by choice,” people who could purchase homes but deliberately choose not to.

“A significant percentage of our residents have the financial means to buy a home, but they choose to rent,” Ross explains. “They might have sold a primary home or have family support, but they’re making a deliberate lifestyle choice.”

These residents prioritize flexibility, the freedom to relocate for career opportunities or lifestyle preferences without the burden of selling a home. “If you’re living in Denver but might want to move to Austin or Atlanta in a few years, renting offers much easier transitions than homeownership,” Ross points out.

The maintenance-free lifestyle is equally appealing. “When something breaks, our residents simply use our app to request service, and we handle it promptly,” Ross says. “No weekends spent on home repairs or yard work.”

Quinn’s brand-new homes offer modern amenities that might otherwise be financially out of reach. “We provide sophisticated technology packages, fenced backyards, two-car garages, and durable surfaces, all in communities designed specifically for renters,” Ross adds.

Smart Homes for Modern Living

Technology integration is central to Quinn’s value proposition. Each home features programmable thermostats and Ring cameras on both front and back doors, providing security and convenience.

“The front door camera monitors package deliveries, while the back door camera allows residents to keep an eye on pet sitters or service providers,” Ross explains.

The company has implemented sophisticated leak detection systems throughout each home. “If there’s a leak under the kitchen sink or near the hot water heater while you’re at work, both you and our maintenance team are alerted within minutes,” Ross says.

High-speed fiber internet comes standard in all homes, and the company has begun implementing solar power in select communities. “Our solar-powered homes provide residents with guaranteed backup power and approximately 20% savings on utility costs,” Ross notes.

Sustainability extends to construction materials as well. “We use only solid surfaces—no carpet—which enhances durability and reduces replacement needs,” Ross explains. “High-quality paints and construction materials ensure our homes remain in excellent condition for years.”

The Compelling Economics of Renting

Today’s economic environment has dramatically strengthened Quinn’s value proposition. With mortgage rates between 6-7% and significantly increased home prices, the financial equation has shifted decisively in favor of renting.

“Renting one of our homes versus owning the identical property is 50-60% cheaper in today’s market,” Ross reveals. “That includes all maintenance, property taxes, and insurance costs we manage.”

This represents a dramatic shift from historical norms. “For the past 50 years, renting has typically been about 15% cheaper than owning,” Ross explains. “Today’s 50-60% differential is unprecedented and particularly compelling for young professionals.”

This cost advantage creates alternative wealth-building opportunities. “Studies show that renting a home and investing the 50% savings in the S&P 500 actually produces $10,000-$30,000 better financial outcomes per year compared to homeownership,” Ross says. “This challenges the conventional wisdom that buying a home is always the best investment.”

Ambitious Growth in an Emerging Sector

Quinn has ambitious expansion plans, targeting markets in Texas and the Midwest. “We aim to double our company size within the next two to three years,” Ross shares.

The long-term potential for build-to-rent is substantial. Ross draws a parallel to the evolution of the apartment industry: “When I entered the apartment business in the early 90s, institutional investors owned very little of the rental stock. Today, they own about half of all apartments.”

He sees a similar trajectory for build-to-rent. “Currently, institutional investors own less than 1% of single-family rentals. I expect that to grow to roughly 50% over the next 20-30 years,” Ross predicts. “We’re just in the early stages of this rental-by-choice housing revolution.”

Quinn’s competitive advantages include patient capital and strong lending relationships. “Our investors believe in the long-term vision. They’re not looking to build, rent, and quickly sell,” Ross explains. “This allows us to focus on creating sustainable communities rather than chasing short-term returns.”

Correcting Market Misconceptions

Despite the company’s success, Ross acknowledges persistent misconceptions about the single-family rental industry.

“There’s a political narrative that institutional investors are buying up homes that individual families would otherwise purchase,” Ross says. “The data simply doesn’t support this claim.”

Ross emphasizes that build-to-rent represents less than 1% of the rental supply, and homeownership rates have actually increased since the financial crisis. “We’re creating new housing supply, not competing for existing homes,” he notes.

“We’re offering people the opportunity to live in neighborhoods and homes they otherwise couldn’t afford due to financial constraints,” Ross emphasizes. “We’re expanding housing choices, not limiting them.”