New build-to-rent townhomes hit the market in Wendell. Take a peek.
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- BrightSky Residential is leasing 201 townhomes at Oaks at Wendell, formerly Sadie Oaks.
- Oaks at Wendell offers two-story, three- and four-bedroom plans from 1,711 to 1,932 sq ft.
- Rents at Oaks at Wendell are expected to average $2,500 monthly with amenities.
A new “build-to-rent” community has hit the market on a 25-acre stretch along Wendell Falls Parkway in eastern Wake County.
California-based BrightSky Residential is now leasing the 201-townhome subdivision called Oaks at Wendell, formerly Sadie Oaks.
The first move-ins are expected this August.
The neighborhood sits about half a mile south of the massive 1,100-acre Wendell Falls master-planned community.
But unlike traditional rentals where homes are sold to individual owners who then lease them, these homes are being developed, from the start, to remain as single-family rentals.
“The ability to enjoy a high-quality home in a great neighborhood without the responsibilities of homeownership is an increasingly attractive option for today’s renters,” said Hamilton Stolpen, president of BrightSky’s Southeast Division, in a release.
“The value proposition is also extremely attractive,” he added.
BrightSky says renters can save “up to 20% compared to owning.” It’s a claim that aligns with current Triangle market dynamics, where high interest rates and rising insurance premiums have pushed monthly home ownership costs above typical rents — but the company did not share the assumptions behind its calculation.
Oaks at Wendell 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 yards, a pool, clubhouse, walking trails, a dog park and pickle ball court. Rents are expected to average $2,500 monthly.
It’s BrightSky’s first project in North Carolina, adding to its 3,000-plus unit portfolio nationwide.
Tours and leasing are available at 145 Burke Legacy Way, with on site staff and extended hours.
NC’s build-to-rent boom
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.
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.
“Strong job market, proximity to universities, [and a] growing population of remote workers and students” are fueling the need for high-quality rentals, the report said.
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.
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.
This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 4:10 PM.
