- Peakline Real Estate Funds has launched its first Build-to-Rent (BTR) fund, aiming to meet demand in rental markets with limited supply.
- The fund will focus on upscale suburban areas in the Southeast, Mountain West, and Midwest, emphasizing strong schools, job access, and tenant demand.
- The firm has identified over 1,600 units across several potential projects, but investment and fundraising totals have not been disclosed.
- Peakline plans to partner with local sponsors to develop purpose-built single-family rental communities.
First step into BTR
Peakline Real Estate Funds is entering the build-to-rent (BTR) space for the first time with a new fund aimed at underserved rental markets, per Globe St.
Dubbed Real Estate BTR Fund I, the initiative will focus on suburban areas in the Southeast, Mountain West, and Midwest, which are characterized by limited rental supply but strong tenant demand.
Regional Strategy
The Chicago-based firm is prioritizing “upscale” suburban neighborhoods with desirable attributes—think quality public schools, access to job centers, and strong lifestyle amenities.
The goal: create rental communities that offer the comforts of homeownership without the financial barriers. The fund will collaborate with experienced regional sponsors to build out single-family rental (SFR) projects.
So far, Peakline has identified more than 1,600 units across multiple developments as candidates for investment.
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Leadership and Vision
Jason Ross, managing director at Peakline, is heading the new investment vehicle. “We’re excited to partner with leading developers…to create rental neighborhoods that meet the growing demand for community living and modern amenities,” Ross said in a statement.
CEO and co-founder Michael Miller added that the BTR move reflects Peakline’s adaptive investment philosophy following the firm’s recent rebranding. “This is an exciting moment to expand PREF’s fund offerings,” he said.
Why It Matters
BTR properties offer a home-like experience for renters priced out of the ownership market—an increasingly common scenario.
According to Colliers, multifamily completions hit a 50-year high in 2024, suggesting growing supply, but also increasing renter demand—especially for alternatives like SFRs that blend privacy with rental flexibility.
Looking ahead
With its new fund and strategic focus on high-growth regions, Peakline is positioning itself to capitalize on one of the most resilient housing trends in today’s market: rental living that feels like home.
