October 14, 2025
Aligning Renter Preferences to Maximize Asset Value: The Pet-Friendly Advantage
At NexMetro, we have long recognized that aligning our communities with evolving lifestyle trends is crucial to sustaining demand and achieving strong performance. One of the most consistent and influential drivers across our Avilla neighborhoods has been our thoughtful approach to being pet friendly. Backed by years of resident feedback, survey insights, and
national household data showing pet ownership at all-time highs, we’ve seen firsthand how catering to this lifestyle priority has the potential to differentiate our communities, strengthen occupancy, and enhance long-term investment performance.
As more households view pets as part of the family, demand for pet-friendly living environments continues to climb. Today, nearly 70% of U.S. households (94 million) include a pet – an increase of just more than 50% compared to two decades ago. Notably, surveys consistently indicate that more than 80% of renters consider pet-friendliness a top
factor in selecting a place to live.
Our experience across Avilla neighborhoods reinforces this national data: resident feedback routinely ranks private backyards, pet amenities, and flexible pet policies among the most valued features. By designing our communities with pets in mind from the start, we differentiate our product, deepen resident loyalty, and tap into a powerful demand driver that can attract a broader renter base, drive strong occupancy, and deliver durable returns for investors.
With pet ownership on the rise, many renters are seeking alternatives to traditional apartments that offer more space, privacy, and outdoor access for their pets. Our single-story Avilla homes, featuring private backyards, provide the ideal blend of comfort and convenience – removing common apartment restrictions while delivering the flexibility of renting. This is evidenced by the fact that more than 50% of our Avilla households include pets. The presence of pets in Avilla resident households is highest for young singles and couples, with 66% having at least one dog.
The rising number of renters with pets presents a significant revenue opportunity in build-to-rent (BTR) communities – particularly those with private backyards. Homes with secure, private outdoor space command premium appeal for pet owners, enabling developers and operators to charge higher pet rents and strengthen occupancy. By designing BTR neighborhoods with this trend in mind, NexMetro can not only enhance Avilla resident satisfaction and retention, but also create an additional, predictable income stream. For investors, this reflects a savvy approach to market demand – leveraging evolving renter preferences to maximize yield and long-term asset performance.
Click this link to see why Avilla Homes is The Perfect Place for Your Furry Friends!
Sources: American Pet Products Association 2025 State of the Industry Report; Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative 2025 / Human Animal Bond Research Institute; Inman News.