Phoenix AZ – February 25, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is NexMetro Communities launching on February 25, 2026?
NexMetro Communities is launching its Direct Access Fund 2026 (DAF 26), a private equity investment vehicle focused on build-to-rent projects.
Where will the Direct Access Fund 2026 primarily invest?
The fund will target build-to-rent projects in high-growth U.S. markets, specifically Sunbelt metros like Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, Austin, and Tampa.
Who is eligible to invest in the Direct Access Fund 2026?
The fund is available to accredited investors and Registered Investment Advisors who meet applicable requirements, with a minimum investment of $250,000.
Why is build-to-rent an attractive investment now according to NexMetro?
The fund is timed to capitalize on housing affordability challenges, shifting lifestyle preferences towards rental homes, and favorable demographic trends in Phoenix and other markets.
Phoenix-based NexMetro Communities has launched its Direct Access Fund 2026 (DAF 26), a private equity investment vehicle for build-to-rent (BTR) projects. The fund aims to capitalize on housing affordability and lifestyle shifts, targeting high-growth Sunbelt markets including Phoenix, AZ, through its Avilla Homes platform. DAF 26 is open to accredited investors and RIAs seeking long-term capital appreciation.
NexMetro Communities Unveils Private Equity Build-To-Rent Investment Fund for 2026
Phoenix-based NexMetro Communities, a prominent entity in the build-to-rent (BTR) housing sector, announced the launch of its Direct Access Fund 2026 (DAF 26) on February 25, 2026. This new private equity investment vehicle is designed to provide investors with opportunities in build-to-rent projects across high-growth U.S. markets, notably through its established Avilla Homes platform in key Sunbelt metros. The fund aims to capitalize on evolving dynamics in housing affordability, shifting lifestyle preferences, and demographic trends.
What Does Direct Access Fund 2026 Offer to Investors?
DAF 26 is structured as a passive investment, focusing on pursuing long-term capital appreciation by developing and stabilizing Avilla Homes BTR communities. It offers investors a streamlined investment path to a diversified portfolio of newly developed Avilla Homes communities. The fund is available to accredited investors and Registered Investment Advisors, subject to applicable requirements. The strategy emphasizes disciplined underwriting, operational execution, and exposure to long-term demographic and housing demand trends in select high-growth U.S. markets. NexMetro Communities will serve as the sponsor and developer, managing site selection, entitlement, construction, and execution via its vertically integrated platform.
Targeting Growth: Where Will the Fund Invest?
The Direct Access Fund 2026 will primarily target build-to-rent projects in high-growth U.S. markets, specifically leveraging NexMetro’s Avilla Homes platform. These markets include major Sunbelt metros such as Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, Austin, and Tampa. The build-to-rent sector, which delivers detached, single-story rental homes, has seen significant growth, particularly in these regions where traditional homeownership is increasingly challenging. NexMetro’s Avilla Homes communities combine the privacy and space of single-family homes with the convenience of a professionally managed rental lifestyle.
Why is Build-to-Rent an Attractive Investment Now?
The fund’s launch is timed to capitalize on several market dynamics. Housing affordability continues to be a significant factor, with high interest rates and asking prices making homeownership less accessible for many. This environment has increased demand for high-quality rental options, including single-family rental homes. Furthermore, evolving lifestyle preferences indicate a growing segment of consumers who desire the benefits of a single-family home—such as private yards and more space—without the long-term commitment and maintenance burdens of ownership. Demographic trends also play a role, as more young families and other demographics are seeking rental housing that offers a traditional neighborhood setting. The build-to-rent sector has emerged as a durable and institutional-quality segment of the rental housing market amidst these changes. Some analyses suggest that 2026 is an opportune time for new BTR projects, with a projected clearing of supply glut and accelerating rent growth in the coming years.
Background on NexMetro Communities and the Build-to-Rent Sector
NexMetro Communities, established in 2012, is recognized as a national leader and pioneer in the build-to-rent industry. The Phoenix-based company has focused exclusively on developing and operating Avilla Homes BTR communities for over a decade. Through its vertically integrated platform, NexMetro has completed and has underway more than 60 BTR communities, representing over 10,000 homes across the Sunbelt. The company aims to redefine the traditional housing market by offering luxury leased home experiences that blend the convenience of apartment living with the comforts of a single-family home. The build-to-rent model itself has become a significant force in U.S. residential real estate, driven by shifting demand for rental housing and sustained institutional interest.
Key Features of Direct Access Fund 2026
| Fund Name | Direct Access Fund 2026 (DAF 26) |
| Launch Date | February 25, 2026 |
| Sponsor/Developer | NexMetro Communities |
| Investment Type | Private Equity Investment Vehicle |
| Investment Strategy | Developing and stabilizing Avilla Homes BTR communities for long-term capital appreciation |
| Target Markets | High-growth U.S. markets, including major Sunbelt metros (e.g., Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, Austin, Tampa) |
| Target Investors | Accredited investors and Registered Investment Advisors |
| Focus Trends | Evolving housing affordability, lifestyle preferences, and demographic shifts |
| Minimum Investment | $250,000 |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
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