6 Reasons Why New Construction is Winning This Year

Dusty Rhodes • March 10, 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving real estate market, new construction rental properties are emerging as the clear choice for savvy investors. Rising maintenance costs, inflated insurance premiums, and escalating material expenses make older homes less appealing to landlords and tenants. Meanwhile, modern, energy-efficient homes meet tenant expectations while providing landlords with reduced operational costs and higher long-term returns.


Our partners at Rent To Retirement specialize in helping investors navigate these challenges and capitalize on the growing demand for new construction rentals. Let’s dive into the data and why this trend reshapes the rental property landscape.


1. Maintenance Costs: Why Older Homes Are Draining Your Budget


Maintaining older properties is becoming increasingly expensive. Systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical wiring often require costly repairs or replacements, especially in homes over 30 years old. 


According to the National Association of Home Builders, homes built before 1960 incur annual maintenance costs averaging 8% of the home’s value, compared to just 2% for homes built in the 2010s (HomeKeep).


How new construction helps:

  • Modern materials and systems require fewer repairs.
  • New builds often come with warranties covering significant components for up to 10 years.
  • Reduced maintenance translates to higher profitability and less time spent managing repairs.


2. Insurance Premiums: A Hidden Cost of Older Homes


Insurance companies charge significantly higher premiums for older homes due to their increased risk of damage. The average premium for a home older than 30 years is 75% higher than that for a newly constructed home (The Zebra).


Why new builds are cheaper to insure:

  • Compliance with modern building codes reduces risk.
  • Disaster-resistant features like hurricane windows and reinforced roofing lower premiums.
  • New homes are less prone to fires, floods, and structural failures, keeping insurance costs manageable.


3. Tenant Preferences: Modern Amenities Matter


Tenants are becoming increasingly selective about where they live. According to a RCLCO survey in 2023, 37.3% of renters stated they would be willing to pay more for new kitchen appliances, while an additional 50.7% indicated they might consider paying higher rent for them. Outdated layouts, inefficient systems, and cosmetic wear and tear in older homes drive tenants toward new construction.


What tenants want:

  • Energy-efficient appliances and systems that lower utility bills.
  • Open floor plans and modern designs.
  • A move-in-ready experience with minimal maintenance issues.


New construction properties can command higher rents and maintain lower vacancy rates by offering what tenants demand.


4. Rising Construction and Replacement Costs


The cost of materials for repairs and renovations has soared. New construction has had to deal with the exact cost increase, but renovation projects have become even more costly, equating the time value of money.


New construction advantages include:

  • New properties are built with durable, standardized materials that are easier and cheaper to maintain.
  • Investors avoid the costly, time-consuming process of renovating older homes.


5. Insurance Challenges in High-Risk Areas


Insurance premiums have become a significant hurdle for landlords in many regions like Florida and California. Insurers are scaling back coverage or exiting markets entirely due to increased natural disaster risks. According to Reuters, some homeowners in Florida saw premiums increase by over 60% from 2019-2023. (Reuters).


Why new construction is resilient:

  • Built to withstand natural disasters with hurricane-proof windows and elevated foundations.
  • Lower insurance costs and reduced risks make these properties more viable for long-term investments.


6. Energy Efficiency: A Win for Landlords and Tenants


Rising energy costs are driving demand for energy-efficient homes. Investing in new construction homes offers significant energy savings compared to older homes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEED-certified homes use 20% to 30% less energy than non-green homes, with some homes achieving up to 60% savings.


Benefits for investors:

  • Attract environmentally conscious tenants.
  • Qualify for tax incentives and rebates.
  • Reduce operational expenses over the long term.


Invest in New Construction for Long-Term Success


From lower maintenance and insurance costs to tenant demand for modern amenities, new builds offer a strategic edge in today’s challenging market. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your journey, new construction rentals provide a path to profitability and peace of mind.




Source: Bigger Pockets Blog


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer

By Dusty Rhodes • June 29, 2026
A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: “Maybe I’ll just wait until later this year once things calm down.” While waiting sounds like a good plan, there’s something worth knowing before you decide. Rates aren’t expected to change much, so if that’s the #1 reason you’re waiting, it may not pay off. And there may be other things you miss out on in the meantime. Historically, Summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both buyers and sellers. And if you delay your move until Fall or Winter, some of those opportunities may already be fading. Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer Advantage One of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of affordable options . Maybe you’ve run into that yourself: You find a house you like, but it’s out of your budget. You find something in your budget, but you don’t like it. Or worse, nothing interesting hits the market for weeks. Historically, Summer helps with that. Looking at data from the last few years, Summer months consistently bring more sellers into the market than later in the year. And that gives buyers a real window of fresh choices. According to Realtor.com , any given Summer month typically sees about 32% more fresh options than the average month from September-December.

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

By Dusty Rhodes • June 15, 2026
A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying “no” to just about everything. No repairs. No concessions. No negotiation. If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller’s terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again. That’s why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this: The goal isn’t to “win” every negotiation. Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers where they are to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer’s closing costs. Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale. What Are Buyer Closing Costs? Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examples : Loan origination fees Appraisal and inspection costs Title and attorney fees Survey fees and more Typically, buyer closing costs range from about 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. So, on the typical $400,000 home, that could mean anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 out of pocket. And in today’s affordability-challenged market, that upfront cash can be a major hurdle for some buyers – even if they can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payment itself. That’s why more people are asking sellers for help. And More Sellers Are Saying “Yes” According to the latest data from Zillow , 67% of sellers reported paying some or all of the buyer’s closing costs in 2025 ( see chart below ):

How to Stage Your Outdoor Space to Sell Your Home Faster

By Dusty Rhodes • June 8, 2026
When preparing to sell your home , the outside matters just as much as what’s inside. Learning how to stage your outdoor space to sell can help create a memorable first impression, boost curb appeal, and make buyers feel emotionally connected before they even walk through the front door. From refreshing landscaping to creating cozy gathering areas, thoughtful outdoor staging can help your home stand out in a competitive market. In this Redfin guide, we’ll share expert-backed tips for transforming your yard, patio, porch, or garden into a space buyers can easily picture themselves enjoying. Whether you’re preparing a bungalow in Boise, ID , or listing a modern home in Savannah, GA , these outdoor staging ideas can help sellers create inviting spaces that feel polished, functional, and move-in ready. Why outdoor staging matters when selling a home Outdoor staging helps buyers form an emotional connection with a home before they even step inside. A clean, inviting exterior can make a property feel more cared for, while thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces help buyers imagine themselves relaxing, entertaining, or spending time outside. In competitive markets especially, those details can help a listing stand out from similar homes nearby. “Staging allows buyers to see the potential of the space and aids realtors in securing high-investment buyers,” shares Julia, CEO of JP Urban Moving . “Staging is an aspect of the moving industry that customers generally don’t consider, but it’s vital and on the rise.” Outdoor staging can also help: Create a stronger first impression during showings. Highlight usable outdoor living areas like patios, porches, and backyards. Make the home feel move-in ready . Showcase the lifestyle the property offers , not just the structure itself. Help buyers remember the home after touring multiple listings. Focus on curb appeal first Curb appeal plays a major role in shaping a buyer’s first impression of a home. Before buyers notice updated interiors or spacious layouts, they’re already evaluating the condition of the yard, landscaping, and exterior maintenance. “Ensure your home is move-in ready by maximizing its curb appeal and value through thoughtful landscape design,” suggests Fel Quinn, Marketing Director at TerraVita Landscape & Gardening Inc. “Carefully consider how the trees, shrubs, and perennials add interest while keeping the space low-maintenance. Sometimes less is more – by prioritizing strategic planting and the overall health of your landscape, you can create a welcoming space that is both well-kept and inviting.” To improve curb appeal before listing your home: Trim overgrown trees and shrubs. Refresh mulch in flower beds and garden areas. Mow and edge the lawn regularly. Keep walkways, driveways, and entryways clean and clutter-free. Choose landscaping that looks attractive while remaining low-maintenance. Create outdoor spaces buyers can picture themselves using When staging an outdoor space , the goal is to help buyers imagine how they would actually live there. A cozy patio setup, welcoming front porch, or peaceful backyard can make the home feel like a retreat rather than just another property on the market. Buyers are often drawn to spaces that feel functional, relaxing, and easy to enjoy from day one. “Think about it: It’s Friday afternoon, you just got off a busy work week, you’re dreaming of how long until you escape to your home, that peaceful haven from the chaos,” says Justin Wilson of American Irrigation Repair . “When you’re selling your house, you’re not just selling just the structure, you’re selling a vision of how a buyer feels when they step on the property.” To create outdoor spaces buyers can connect with: Arrange simple seating areas on patios or decks. Add outdoor pillows or neutral decor for warmth. Incorporate planters or flowers for natural color. Keep pathways and gathering spaces open and uncluttered. Highlight features like fire pits, gardens, or dining areas. Use lighting to make the space feel inviting during evening showings. Less clutter, more function: Keep outdoor staging simple When staging outdoor areas, simplicity often has the biggest impact. Buyers want to see spaces that feel open, functional, and easy to maintain, rather than overcrowded with furniture, decorations, or excessive landscaping features. A clean and thoughtfully arranged yard allows buyers to focus on the home itself while still appreciating the outdoor lifestyle it offers. “When staging an outdoor space to sell, focus on making it feel clean, welcoming, and easy for buyers to picture themselves comfortably living in and using the space,” says Beth Wren of Copper Creek Landscaping . “The goal is to create an outdoor space that feels polished, functional, low-maintenance, and like a natural extension of the home.” To keep outdoor staging simple yet effective: Remove broken furniture , excess décor, and unused yard items. Define seating areas without overcrowding the space. Add fresh mulch and trim overgrown plants. Highlight one or two focal points , like a bird bath or statement planting. Don’t forget the emotional connection buyers feel outdoors Outdoor spaces often leave the strongest emotional impression during a home tour. Long after buyers forget square footage or listing details, they tend to remember how a home felt – especially in areas where they can imagine relaxing, gathering, or unwinding. A thoughtfully staged exterior helps turn a property into something more personal and memorable. At its core, outdoor staging is about selling a feeling as much as a space. Buyers respond to environments that feel peaceful, cared for, and inviting, where they can easily picture everyday moments unfolding. Key emotional drivers in outdoor staging include: A sense of calm and retreat from daily stress. The feeling of a “personal oasis” or private escape. Warmth and comfort created through greenery, lighting, and layout. Subtle signals that the home has been well cared for over time. Spaces that feel ready for connection , whether with family, friends, or nature. How to stage your outdoor space to sell successfully Staging your outdoor space is about more than improving curb appeal – it’s about helping buyers imagine the lifestyle your home offers. Small updates like fresh landscaping, defined seating areas, lighting, and thoughtful decor can make your property feel more welcoming, memorable, and move-in ready. By taking the time to stage your outdoor space to sell, you can create a strong first impression that helps your home stand out to potential buyers.