Survey shows rising interest in switching from owned apartments to rental homes, signaling potential shift in housing demand
Executive summary: A September 9, 2026 survey by GlobeNewswire found that an increasing number of people are considering moving from owner‑occupied apartments to rental homes. Such a shift could soften demand for owner‑occupied units, boost demand for rental properties, and influence mortgage lending volumes.
Who is involved: Survey respondents (potential homeowners and renters), housing market analysts, and real estate stakeholders.
Likely next: Future housing surveys, rental vacancy reports, and mortgage application trends will be watched to see whether the preference shift materializes.
A GlobeNewswire survey released on September 9, 2026 indicates that a growing share of respondents are contemplating a move from owner‑occupied apartments to rental housing. The excerpt notes that rental accommodation is becoming a more attractive option even for current owners. While the survey does not provide specific percentages, the sentiment points to a possible re‑balancing of housing preferences that could affect both sales and rental markets.
What's next — scenarios
Rental Market Ascendance (50%)
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) specializing in multi-family rentals will see increased capital inflows and valuation premiums.
- Rise in rental occupancy rates
- Increase in residential lease renewal rates
Stagnant Sales/Liquidity Trap (30%)
Secondary market residential sales volume will decline, leading to inventory buildup and price softening in urban centers.
- Drop in apartment sales turnover
- Lengthening days-on-market for owned units
Owner-Occupancy Resilience (20%)
Mortgage lenders and home improvement retailers will maintain stable revenue streams despite survey sentiment.
- Stable mortgage application volumes
- Flat rental price growth
What to watch
- National rental vacancy rate reports (next 30 days)
- Quarterly residential sales volume data (next 60 days)
- Consumer sentiment index regarding long-term debt (next 90 days)
Timeline
- — Survey: More and more people are considering switching from an owner-occupied apartment to a rental home – this is what is being sought (GlobeNewswire)