Rental Investors Signal Selective Growth, Cost Focus in 2026
Event summary
- 51% of rental investors plan to purchase 1-2 properties in 2026, up from 45% in 2025
- 79% of investors expect no property sales in 2026, continuing 2025 trend
- 47% of landlords plan 1-3% rent increases, 31% plan no increases
- 54% cite rising costs as biggest barrier to 2026 goals
- 39% expect to spend $1,500-$4,999 per unit on improvements
The big picture
Rental investors are adopting a more strategic approach in 2026, focusing on operational efficiency and selective growth amid persistent cost pressures. The survey results reflect broader industry trends toward disciplined portfolio management and data-driven decision making. With $33 billion in assets under management on RentRedi's platform, these shifts have significant implications for the independent landlord sector.
What we're watching
- Selective Growth
- Whether measured acquisition activity will accelerate as cost pressures stabilize
- Cost Management
- How landlords balance rising insurance and tax costs with modest rent increases
- Operational Efficiency
- The pace at which landlords adopt data-driven tools to streamline operations