Cost to build, by product
| Product | Size | Build $/sq ft | Land basis | All-in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build-to-rent duplex (per building, 2 units) | ~2,424 sf | $115 | $29,000 | $308,266 |
| Single-family build-to-rent home | 1,209–1,500 sf | $123–133 | ~$29,000 | ~$189k |
What the market is doing
- Build cost is rising ~6% over two years — measured, not estimated. Materials up 3–4%/yr; metal (gutters, flashing, garage doors) worse.
- Framing + concrete are ~26–28% of a build and where the market moves you most.
- Timelines: under 120 days permit-to-keys, the majority under 100.
- Investor yields: ~10% gross on a duplex purchase; 12–15% yield-on-cost on new build-to-rent — roughly double the 7–8% build-to-rent industry target.
Methodology
Every figure is a real actual or a live budget from a Bids Contracting job, grouped from 60–80 cost codes into the trades investors think in. Land basis is stated separately because it’s the lever that sets the yield. Figures are dated and refreshed as new projects close.
Bids Contracting LLC · General Contractor · Wichita, KSEST. WICHITA