2025 Leasing Trends: What Property Owners Should Know Heading Into the New Year

Source: RentEngine Q3 2025 Leasing Data & Trends Report

As summer fades, the real estate market enters a period of recalibration. According to RentEngine’s Q3 2025 Leasing Data & Trends Report, leasing activity slowed significantly compared to 2024 — with two-thirds of property managers reporting reduced activity. While leads and inquiries remain strong, longer vacancy times and more frequent price reductions have become the norm.

At On Q Property Management, we’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to stay ahead of these shifts. Whether you own one home or a portfolio of properties, adapting your leasing strategy to the current market is key to minimizing vacancy and maximizing returns.

Slower Leasing, Longer Vacancies

RentEngine reports that average Days on Market (DOM) rose to 26.8 days in Q3, compared to the low-20s last year. Interestingly, homes that required price adjustments averaged 15.4 days on market after the latest price change, suggesting that overpricing early in the season remains a costly mistake (source).

At On Q, our leasing team uses real-time market data to price your property correctly from day one. We combine RentEngine insights with our local expertise to help owners avoid unnecessary days of vacancy — which, according to the report, can cost over $750 in lost rental income for a typical single-family home.

The Power of First Impressions

One of RentEngine’s most striking findings: 38% of all leads arrive within the first week of listing (source). That means your pricing, photos, and listing quality matter more than ever.

At On Q, we understand that first impressions can make or break your leasing momentum. Our marketing team ensures each listing is professionally photographed, priced competitively, and syndicated across top rental sites within hours — maximizing visibility during that crucial first-week window.

The Rise of After-Hours Leasing

RentEngine found that nearly 60% of leads now inquire after business hours, and almost half schedule showings while the office is closed (source). This shift toward 24/7 engagement is transforming the leasing process.

To meet this demand, On Q’s leasing technology allows renters to schedule self-guided showings and apply online anytime — day or night. This level of convenience not only attracts more qualified tenants but also reduces no-shows and speeds up lease signings.

Self-Guided Showings Are Here to Stay

According to RentEngine, 53% of showings are now self-guided, with completion rates over 50% — far outperforming traditional accompanied tours (source). Properties offering flexible, self-service viewing options are leasing faster and with fewer missed appointments.

At On Q, we’ve long embraced self-guided tours with secure lockbox technology. Our system verifies every renter’s identity before access, giving owners peace of mind while enabling renters to view homes on their schedule.

Section 8: No Impact on Leasing Speed

In an interesting finding, RentEngine’s Q3 analysis shows that accepting Section 8 vouchers has virtually no effect on Days on Market — just a 0.5-day difference between Section 8 and non-Section 8 rentals (source).This challenges the assumption that voucher acceptance slows down leasing, especially for Class C properties.

On Q Property Management supports fair housing practices and helps owners evaluate the pros and cons of voucher programs to fit their portfolio and market.

Benchmarks and Best Practices

The report also highlights several key benchmarks for 2025:

• Average renter credit score: 566
• Average application fee: $55.92
• Average Resident Benefit Package: $39.22/month
• 87.7% of properties allow pets, up notably from 2024 (source)

At On Q, we already incorporate many of these best practices. Our Resident Benefit Package helps tenants build credit, enjoy renters insurance, and get maintenance discounts — all while protecting your property’s condition and value.

What This Means for Property Owners

The 2025 leasing landscape is more competitive, data-driven, and tech-enabled than ever. RentEngine’s research underscores the importance of speed, pricing precision, and modern convenience — the same principles that guide every On Q Property Management leasing strategy.

If you’re struggling with longer vacancies or slow leasing activity, our team can help you pivot. From dynamic pricing analysis to 24/7 lead response and automated showings, On Q Property Management delivers results aligned with today’s renter behavior and tomorrow’s market trends.

Ready to maximize your rental’s potential?

Let On Q Property Management help you navigate the evolving rental market with data-driven insights and full-service property management expertise.

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Sources:
RentEngine. Q3 2025 Leasing Data & Trends Report.