Beyond the Averages: Finding Real Opportunity in the 2025 SFR Market

As the U.S. rental market shifts in 2025, individual investors face a familiar challenge: how to balance rising home prices with steady—or even shrinking—rental returns. Navigating these trends can feel like chasing a moving target, especially when national averages don’t tell the full story. In this blog, we break down key insights from ATTOM’s Q1 2025 Single-Family Rental Market report, including which counties are projected to offer the strongest rental yields and where opportunities are tightening. And—we’ll tell you how okood plans to equip individual investors like you to move strategically in today’s high-stakes environment. okood will give you more than information—we’ll provide you clarity and control.

That’s where data-driven decision-making becomes your edge.

According to ATTOM's Q1 2025 Single-Family Rental Market report, the average annual gross rental yield for three-bedroom properties across 361 analyzed U.S. counties is projected to be 7.45% in 2025, a slight decrease from 7.52% in 2024. This decline is attributed to home prices rising faster than rents in approximately 54% of the analyzed markets, leading to reduced potential returns for investors. Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM, noted that unless home prices stabilize or more properties become available, this trend is likely to persist (Barber, 2025).  As margins tighten, individual investors need to make smarter, faster decisions. We at okood are working hard at leveraging AI to allow our users to accurately evaluate deals. You're not just tracking numbers—you’re staying ahead of them.

The report highlights that the highest potential annual gross rental yields are concentrated in the Northeast and South regions. Notably, Suffolk County, NY, in the New York City metro area, leads with an 18% yield, followed by Atlantic County, NJ (16.8%), Jefferson County, AL (13.6%), Mobile County, AL (12.9%), and Ector County, TX (12.5%)(Barber, 2025). Conversely, counties in the West, such as Santa Clara County, CA (2.9%), and San Mateo County, CA (3.3%), are projected to have the lowest rental yields, reflecting the region's higher property prices (Barber, 2025). Identifying yield-rich areas is only half the battle. okood will layer in on-the-ground insights, so you’re not just chasing percentages, you’re investing in stable, cash-flowing assets. Plus, we will help you run personalized strategies whether you're looking in the Bronx or Birmingham.

For investors seeking markets with favorable conditions, ATTOM identified 28 "SFR Growth" counties where average wages have increased over the past year, and projected 2025 rental yields exceed 10%. These markets include Wayne County (Detroit), MI; Suffolk County, NY; Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH; Shelby County (Memphis), TN; and Hidalgo County (McAllen), TX (Barber, 2025). Growth markets are hotbeds of opportunity—but they’re also competitive and often overlooked by individual investors. Whether you want to cash in on Detroit’s rebound or Memphis’s momentum, we’ll make sure you're moving with clarity and confidence.

At okood, we understand the importance of making informed investment decisions in the dynamic real estate market. Leveraging comprehensive data and analytics, we will assist clients in identifying high-yield investment opportunities tailored to their objectives. Our expertise will ensure that investors are well-equipped to navigate market trends and optimize their real estate portfolios.​