Feb 26 (Reuters) - Invitation Homes ( INVH ) reported a

rise in fourth-quarter revenue on Wednesday, driven by an

increasing consumer preference for renting over buying amid

concerns about volatile interest rates.

The demand for affordable housing in the United States

remains strong, as the country continues to grapple with a

long-standing shortage of single-family homes, a situation that

originates from the 2008 housing market crash.

Invitation Homes ( INVH ) reported revenue of $659.1 million for the

quarter ended December 31, which is 5.6% higher than a year ago

and above estimates of $654 million, according to data compiled

by LSEG.

The Dallas, Texas-based REIT which leases about 85,000 homes

in 16 markets across the U.S., reported a same-store core

revenue growth of 2.7% in the quarter.

The company's blended rental growth rate rose 2.3%,

reflecting a combination of both new lease and renewal rates.

It posted a net income of $143.1 million, or 23 cents per

share, compared to $129.5 million, or 21 cents per share, it

posted a year ago.