NC’s ‘build-to-rent’ housing boom expands to Wendell. What’s coming next?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- BrightSky broke ground on Sadie Oaks: 201 build-to-rent townhomes in Wendell.
- Sadie Oaks plans 3–4 bedroom townhomes with garages, private yards, pool, clubhouse.
- North Carolina added 12,398 single-family rentals in 2025, ranking fourth nationally.
A new “build-to-rent” community is coming to a 25-acre stretch of land along Wendell Falls Parkway in eastern Wake County.
California-based BrightSky Residential broke ground this month on the 201-townhome subdivision called Sadie Oaks. It sits about half a mile south of the massive 1,100-acre Wendell Falls master-planned community.
But unlike traditional rentals where homes are leased after being sold to individual owners, these homes are being developed, from the start, to remain as single-family rentals.
“The homes are designed to appeal to young professionals, couples, families and older adults who desire the advantages of single-family living without the commitment and responsibilities of homeownership,” said Hamilton Stolpen, president of BrightSky’s southeast division, in a press release.
In recent years, build-to-rent has gained traction in the Triangle and across North Carolina, as homeownership becomes less affordable and institutional investors see suburban rentals as a stable, long-term investment.
It’s BrightSky’s first project in North Carolina, adding to its 3,000-plus unit portfolio nationwide.
Other built-to-rent communities include ABODE at Alderwood in Apex, Amavi Brier Creek in Durham and Crescent Communities’ NOVEL series in Morrisville and Durham.
Increasingly, developers are targeting fast-growing satellite suburbs, like Wendell, to meet demand.
“This is one of the most ideal new home locations in the Raleigh metro area,” Stolpan said. “With the nearby outer ring beltway, I-540, future residents can easily connect to the greater Raleigh area, Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Research Triangle Park.”
Sadie Oaks will offer two-story townhomes, with three- and four-bedroom plans ranging from 1,711 to 1,932 square feet.
Other amenities include attached-private garages, fenced private yard, pool, clubhouse, walking trails, dog park and pickle ball court.
Rents are expected to average $2,500 monthly.
Leasing is scheduled to start in spring 2026.
NC’s build-to-rent boom
In North Carolina, more than 12,398 new, single-family rentals hit the pipeline in 2025, according to a Point2Homes build-to-rent report, just behind Texas (28,812), Arizona (13,692) and Florida (13,591).
The state’s two largest metros, Charlotte and Raleigh, are in the lead with over 5,300 and 2,900 units, respectively.
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“Strong job market, proximity to universities, growing population of remote workers and students” are fueling the need for high-quality rentals, the report said.
Point2Homes used data provided by its sister company, Yardi Matrix, and included only properties defined as single-family homes for rent in communities containing at least 50 units.
