Where Are Future U.S. Homebuyers Hiding?

In addition, satisfaction with one's rental experience may be a factor when deciding to buy a home. According to the June survey, renters who are most satisfied with their rental experience are more likely to continue renting (68 percent) than to purchase a home (32 percent). Sixty-seven percent of apartment renters report being satisfied compared to 60 percent of single-family property renters.

"As we gather data each quarter, we are finding the old perception that renting is something people do until they buy is not always true. The trend shows that satisfied renters are more likely to continue renting, even as we are seeing rising rents in the market," said David Brickman, executive vice president of Freddie Mac Multifamily. "Dissatisfaction may drive renters to buy, and we are seeing a slight decrease in satisfaction among single-family renters. We will continue to monitor this for stronger indicators and trends, but for now, the single-family rental home market may be a good place to look to find potential home buyers."

Brickman added, "The number of U.S. renter households is up again for the tenth straight year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. More households of all sizes, income levels and age ranges now rent their homes. Renters are leading household formations, which are expected to keep climbing due to the improving economy, Millennials continuing into adulthood and immigration."

Potential Effect of Rising Rents

Forty-four percent of renters who have lived in their home for two years or more say they experienced a rent increase in the last two years, compared to 38 percent in March. Of those who experienced a rent increase, 70 percent agreed that they would like to buy a home but cannot afford to at this point while 44 percent indicate they'd like to buy a home and have started looking. This response was about the same in both the June and March surveys. Forty-nine percent say they like where they live and will stay regardless of rent increases, similar to 46 percent in March. Forty-four percent agreed with the statement that they now have to put off their plans to purchase a home, compared to 51 percent in March.

High Satisfaction

The June satisfaction rates are virtually unchanged from March, with a third of renters being very satisfied with their rental experience and almost a third indicating they are moderately satisfied.

In addition, the top favorable factors for renting remain the same with the strength of these favorable views rising slightly in June. The top favorable factors about renting remain freedom from home maintenance, more flexibility over where you live and protection against declines in home prices.

If renters are making adjustments due to increases in their rent, 51 percent are spending less on essentials, 29 percent are contemplating getting a roommate and 20 percent say they need to move into a smaller rental property. Despite increases to their rent, 55 percent say they are making no changes to their spending plans and 49 percent say they like where they live and will stay in their current place.