Determining Rental Configuration Demand

[Chris Ehrhart]

Hello, can anyone please point me in the right direction to determine what the highest demand for rental configurations is in a particular city? I’m looking in a small town west of Fort Worth and wondering if a 3 bed 2 bath, a 2/2, or a 1/1 is in highest demand. I’m considering building to rent. Thanks! 

[Kyle Mccaw]

@Chris Ehrhart

— The configuration of your rental will absolutely impact your turnover, tenant quality, and long-term returns.

From my experience managing over 1,200 rentals across DFW — including areas west of Fort Worth — here’s what you need to know:

1. 3 bed / 2 bath homes consistently have the strongest demand in most Texas markets. They attract families or long-term tenants who want more stability and are less likely to move every year. These tenants often come with kids in school, stable employment, and are looking to stay put.

2. 1/1 and 2/2 rentals tend to have higher turnover. Why? Because they’re often:

   • Seen as temporary housing,

   • Competing with apartments that offer pools, gyms, and concessions (free rent, move-in specials),

   • Attracting single individuals or roommates — which tends to mean shorter lease durations.

3. Apartments set the baseline. In most small towns, your 1/1 or 2/2 single-family homes or duplexes will be competing directly with multifamily developments that may offer better pricing or amenities. But 3/2 homes tend to operate in a class of their own — fewer comps, less price sensitivity, and higher demand from families.

4. So bottom line: know your tenant avatar before building. If your target renter is a family, the 3/2 wins hands down for stability and lower turnover. If you're targeting single professionals in high-traffic urban areas, 2/2 might work — but not typically in small towns west of Fort Worth.