A relatively new concept in residential real estate, the single-family rental community, is planned for Lakewood Ranch.

Construction has begun on Estia Lakewood Ranch, a joint project between the developers of the master-planned community and Zilber Residential Group. Plans call for 230 residences: 102 one-bedroom, 725- square-foot units within 51 duplexes; and 128 stand-alone, 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom homes. It is located off Lakewood Ranch Boulevard adjacent to Bob Gardner Park.

Mike King, Zilber’s director of residential investments, says single-family for-rent communities generally appeal to renters seeking a long-term residential experience versus an apartment, where opportunities are often limited to short-term leases.

Zilber already has a presence in Lakewood Ranch as developer of Echo Lake Apartments; Waterfront at Main Street Condominiums; and the single-family home development, LakeHouse Cove at Waterside.