Mountain States Become Magnets for Inbound Migration

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Build-to-rent residents trends link

• 43% of build-to-rent residents said they would move if they found a better deal elsewhere. Rising costs are making renters more price-sensitive, though amenities and community features can help retain them.

• The preference for renting is growing, with 36% of BTR residents preferring to rent, up from 27% last year. This increase was seen across young families, singles, and mature families, suggesting a broader shift in renter mindset.

• High mortgage rates remain the biggest hurdle to homeownership, with about half of renters saying rates would need to drop before they buy. 40% said they need to save more for a down payment, while others cited high home prices as a major barrier.

Mountain States Become Magnets for Inbound Migration link

• Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming have seen strong inbound migration between September 2023 and September 2024. People are leaving high-density regions for better job opportunities, lower costs of living, and outdoor lifestyles.

• Boise, ID is emerging as a major hub for new residents, drawing people with affordable housing and a growing job market. The Las Vegas-Henderson area in Nevada is also seeing a surge due to its expanding economy and tax advantages.

• Cheyenne, WY is experiencing an increase in urban relocations, driven by people moving away from larger cities. The Mountain States continue to attract those seeking space, affordability, and economic opportunity.

Affordability-challenged buyers turn to easier financing options link

• With mortgage rates around 7% and home prices at record highs, affordability is at its worst level since the early 1980s. The Burns Affordability Index shows housing costs now take up 42.4% of household income, well above the normal 32.8%.

• FHA and VA loans are making up a larger share of the market as buyers look for easier financing options. In 2024, these loans accounted for 34% of home purchases, the highest share since late 2020.

• Loan limits for FHA and conforming loans increased by 5% in 2025, making it easier for buyers to qualify. In high-cost markets, the FHA limit rose to $1,209,750, while the conforming loan limit increased to $806,500.

Highest earning, educated workers most likely to work remote link

• Workers with a bachelor's degree or higher earned nearly $90,000 on average in 2023, with over 50% working remotely. Those with some college earned about $57,000, and only 27% worked remotely.

• High school graduates without college made around $49,000, with just 22% working from home, while those without a high school diploma earned $37,000 and had only an 11% chance of remote work.

• The data highlights a clear correlation between education, income, and remote work opportunities, reinforcing how higher credentials expand flexibility and earnings.

Top trends driving Gen Z travel this winter link

• Gen Z travelers are favoring sun-soaked beach destinations like Sydney, Australia, and Praia Grande, Brazil. These locations are seeing a surge in demand as young travelers seek warm-weather escapes.

• Over 75% of Gen Z travelers are using Airbnb to book quick winter getaways, showing their preference for tech-driven convenience. More than 60% of their trips last between 2 to 6 nights, likely due to work and budget constraints.

• Emerging Brazilian beach towns like Praia Grande and Porto Seguro are gaining popularity, with Gen Z drawn to their affordability and cultural events like Carnival. The trend highlights a shift toward discovering lesser-known but vibrant travel spots.

Boomers, or boogeymen? The ‘silver tsunami’ brings anxiety and opportunity link

• The U.S. will have more older adults than people under 18 by 2035, shifting economic dynamics. This demographic shift is expected to reshape labor markets, retirement systems, and healthcare demand.

• Investors are divided on its impact, with some predicting a housing market collapse due to downsizing retirees, while others foresee price increases as older adults stay put. The term "silver tsunami" is now being used to justify conflicting market predictions.

• The phrase has sparked debate, with some calling it fatalistic, yet institutions like the UN and National Cancer Institute continue to use it. Businesses see opportunity in sectors like healthcare, investment management, and acquisitions of retiring proprietors’ firms.

NYC's multifamily sector sees 14% rise in dollar volume link

• The NYC multifamily market hit $8.9 billion in 2024, up 14% from the previous year, with transactions increasing by 4% to 1,107. Brooklyn led the way with $3.48 billion in sales, surging 59% year-over-year.

• Free-market buildings and rent-stabilized properties accounted for 63% and 29% of total dollar volume, respectively, while rent-stabilized values have dropped 35-60% since their 2017-2018 peak. Manhattan below 96th Street recorded $3.44 billion in sales, up 11%, while Queens rose 13% to $851.4 million.

• The Bronx was the only major NYC submarket to decline, with sales falling 59% to $457.9 million. Rising insurance costs and Local Law 97's greenhouse gas mandates are expected to shape the market's future.

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The house from the movie "Up" 🎈

Link to the listing

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Vidit

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