The Onboard and Conservice teams attended the 2025 Zonda Build-to-Rent (BTR) Conference last week, where institutional investors, developers, and operators gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of BTR. The event underscored a major shift in how connectivity, smart technology, and operational efficiency are shaping the future of BTR communities.
Here are five key takeaways from the conference:
Bulk Internet is Emerging as a Key NOI Driver
The conversation around revenue generation is shifting. As rental growth slows and financing remains tight, BTR operators are actively seeking new ways to drive NOI. Bulk internet is quickly becoming one of the most reliable, high-margin revenue streams in the space.
Key Insight from the Conference:
- Many developers are still relying on outdated door-fee models, unaware that bulk internet offers a more stable and scalable revenue stream.
- Operators who have implemented bulk internet programs are seeing immediate NOI growth, often adding an average of $28/unit/month in revenue.
Why It Matters:
- Bulk internet not only creates a steady income stream but also improves resident satisfaction by offering seamless, pre-installed connectivity at move-in.
The Power of Bulk Internet + Utility Management Integration
The most forward-thinking BTR operators aren’t looking at bulk internet in isolation—they’re integrating it into their broader utility and expense management strategy.
Key Insight from the Conference:
- BTR operators who bundle bulk internet with utility management are seeing smoother resident onboarding, easier billing workflows, and greater operational efficiency.
- Managing connectivity alongside water, energy, and gas billing ensures a seamless resident experience while simplifying property-wide expense management.
- With Onboard and Conservice joining forces, operators can integrate bulk internet charges into a single, streamlined billing process, reducing administrative burden and eliminating inefficiencies.
Why It Matters:
- A centralized approach to utilities and connectivity enhances NOI by eliminating unnecessary expenses, reducing resident friction, and improving collections.
- Bulk internet is most effective when paired with a fully managed utility management platform, ensuring financial visibility across the entire property footprint.
Technology Integration is No Longer Optional—It’s Essential
BTR communities require a different operational approach compared to traditional multifamily. With properties spread across multiple markets, operators are actively seeking centralized technology solutions to streamline management.
Key Insight from the Conference:
- Operators expressed frustration with fragmented technology stacks, which create inefficiencies in leasing, maintenance, and resident communications.
- Those investing in PropTech partnerships—like bulk internet, smart home solutions, and automated energy management—are gaining operational efficiencies while improving the resident experience.
Why It Matters:
- With BTR demand surging, operators can no longer afford to manage connectivity manually—they need scalable, automated solutions to stay competitive.
- Bulk internet, integrated into a larger PropTech strategy, helps BTR communities future-proof their assets while reducing operational burdens.
The Industry is Eager for Expert-Led, End-to-End Solutions
The BTR sector is still evolving, and many developers and operators are navigating bulk internet for the first time. A recurring theme at the conference? Owners don’t have the internal resources to manage bulk internet programs on their own.
Key Insight from the Conference:
- Some operators have tried to implement bulk internet themselves, only to encounter regulatory roadblocks, ISP coordination challenges, and resident enrollment issues.
- The appetite for fully managed solutions is growing—operators want hands-off implementation, deployment, and ongoing support.
Why It Matters:
- The most successful operators are turning to experienced partners who can negotiate ISP contracts, ensure compliance, and drive resident adoption seamlessly.
- With a third-party expert managing bulk internet, owners can focus on core operations while maximizing NOI.
Smart Home Solutions Are Driving Cost Savings & Efficiency
BTR operators are rapidly adopting smart home solutions—not just for resident convenience, but to drive real operational savings.
Key Insight from the Conference:
- Smart thermostats, automated lighting, and remote energy monitoring are reducing utility expenses while improving sustainability efforts.
- Operators with integrated smart tech platforms are seeing lower maintenance costs and faster issue resolution thanks to predictive analytics.
- Bulk internet provides the connectivity backbone that enables smart home technologies to function seamlessly across the portfolio.
Why It Matters:
- Smart home integrations reduce energy costs, improve asset longevity, and provide an enhanced resident experience—all of which contribute to higher NOI and portfolio value.
- Operators who integrate bulk internet with smart home technology see even greater efficiency gains, as all connected devices are supported by a stable, property-wide network.
Final Thoughts: The Future of BTR & Bulk Internet
The 2025 Zonda Build-to-Rent Conference confirmed that connectivity, technology, and streamlined utility management are shaping the future of build-to-rent.
Operators who embrace bulk internet as a revenue driver, integrate it with utility management, and adopt smart home solutions will be positioned for higher NOI, lower operational costs, and a superior resident experience.
Want to explore how bulk internet can boost NOI for your BTR portfolio? Let’s talk.
