What is Build to Rent?
You may not have heard of Build to Rent (BTR) because it’s a new part of the lettings sector. However, it’s growing fast. So, what is build-to-rent?
A build to rent development consists of clusters of at least 50 homes (usually apartments). Designed and purpose-built to let to private tenants.
Blocks of BTR apartments are typically funded by financial institutions that see them as a long-term investment. They earn rent from tenants over many years as the return on their investment.
BTR blocks may well have a ‘brand name’ and be of a higher standard than most other privately-let properties. These tend to be converted houses that are owned and managed by individual landlords.
As of Q1 2026, there are 147,670 completed BTR homes across the UK. There are 55,302 under construction and 100,022 in planning. That sounds a lot, but BTR remains a relatively small part of the wider rental sector. For the moment, that is the case.
How is build to rent different?
Firstly, Build to Rent blocks usually have better facilities than you find in individual apartments.
For example, a BTR scheme at Wembley Park in north London has ultra-fast broadband and access to an on-site gym included in the rent. Moreover, some others have concierge services to handle bookings for tenants or to take in deliveries and messages.
A few have high-end communal services like a media room, lounge area or even a swimming pool. And most will allow tenants to keep well-behaved pets. In England, under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet.
Secondly, BTR has a reputation for being well-managed.
While an individual landlord or letting agent looking after one property may be very good, or very bad. On the other hand, BTR schemes have management teams on-site, meaning issues should be resolved quickly. In England, most private renters now have assured periodic tenancies under the Renters’ Rights Act, rather than fixed six-month or longer-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies. This gives renters more flexibility. At the same time, it still allows them to plan ahead.
BTR schemes may offer more predictable renting costs. However, in England, rent increases can now usually only happen once a year with at least two months’ notice.
This contrasts with individual landlords who may increase rent only through the legal process. Landlords may also add premiums for tenants with pets.
Who is your landlord under build to rent?
The blocks are usually built using money from international institutions, who appoint experienced lettings agents. Or specialist build to rent companies to run the properties:
They are also likely to be in a recognised redress scheme, such as The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Service. Meaning you can have independent assessments of any complaint that cannot be resolved directly with the landlord’s representatives.
In other countries, especially the US, Build to Rent is well-established and very popular. Additionally, there are ‘brands’ that trade on having the same facilities, services and even decor in their own blocks across the country.
Some of the top BTR companies beginning to emerge in the UK include Greystar (an American company), Get Living, Fizzy Living, and Grainger. These are now among a number of established operators in the growing UK BTR market.
The theory is that someone who rents a flat from a brand when they are young may be loyal. Thus, they may rent from the same brand when they get older or move to a new location.
Do tenants pay more?
Yes, they do – those extra facilities and on-site managers must be paid for.
Build to rent homes can cost more than similar traditional rental homes in the same area. This is especially true where they include extra amenities, communal spaces and on-site services.
Other studies have found that BTR homes are often rented by younger professionals. Therefore, this sector is not necessarily an answer to the overall problem of many homes, for sale or rent, being unaffordable to many.
Is build to rent the future for renting?
The government says it wants many more Build to Rent developments for three reasons.
1. Firstly, they are usually high quality in their own right;
2. Secondly, they help drive up the standards of older individual rental properties nearby which have to compete for tenants.
3. Third, the higher standards and communal facilities of Build to Rent developments will be more suitable to older renters. And this demographic is likely to grow.
Recent official statistics show that the private rented sector is broadening across age groups, with older renters becoming a more visible part of the market over time.
The Office for National Statistics says the private rented sector has remained a significant part of the housing market across the UK. Meanwhile, the English Housing Survey shows 4.7 million households in England were privately renting in 2024-25.
Are you looking into the build to rent properties? If you need any further help or guidance for renting a BTR. Or any private property – you can find all of Phil Spencer’s renting advice in one convenient place.
Last Updated: June 3rd, 2026
