Number of Build to Rent homes across UK up by 30% according to new research

new build homes colchester essex

The British Property Federation (BPF) has published  its first set of annual data on the build-to-rent sector’s growth, which shows the total number of build-to-rent homes complete, under construction and in planning across the UK has increased by 30 per cent in the past year.

In the UK there are now 117,893 build-to-rent homes – new, high-quality and professionally-managed homes built for renters – across all stages of the development lifecycle, compared to the total of 90,761 homes at the end of Q1 2017 according to the BPF.

Read the The British Property Federation (BPF) research report with data 12th April 2018 in full click here.

Ian Fletcher, Director of Real Estate Policy, British Property Federation comments:

“The build-to-rent sector is evolving quickly, with significant delivery in the regions and more houses, rather than just apartments, coming forward. Policy is also adapting, as to date the sector has grown without a planning blueprint. This is now changing. With the draft revised National Planning Policy Framework, local authorities will now have to specifically identify how many new rental homes their respective areas need. This has never before been enshrined in UK planning policy.

“Clearly, there are exemplar local authorities across the UK leading the charge, giving build-to-rent a chance to expand in the regions and demonstrate that it can cater for a wider range of people. The sector, however, has significant potential to deliver more professionally-managed homes for all renters seeking higher quality service and facilities.”

Jacqui Daly, Director, Savills residential investment research and strategy, adds:

“The development pipeline is growing strongly at both ends. The number of homes completed and under construction has risen by 46 per cent in the past year alone, and the pre-planning pipeline is growing quickly. There is now real momentum in the sector, having received a significant boost in the draft revised National Planning Policy Framework, which officially recognised the importance of build to rent in bringing forward new homes and the need to define sites to ensure delivery. At this rate of growth, we expect that the build to rent pipeline could double to around 200,000 within the next two years.”

Minister of State for Housing Dominic Raab adds:

“The 45 per cent increase in completed build-to-rent homes is good news, but we’re restless to do more. Our revised National Planning Policy Framework is a crucial next step in supporting the build-to-rent sector, reforming planning rules, and helping to deliver 300,000 homes a year by the mid 2020s.

“This government is backing reform with £4.1bn to fund the roads, schools and medical centres needed to reinforce our local communities, as we build the homes Britain sorely needs.”

Read the The British Property Federation (BPF) research report with data 12th April 2018 in full click here.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Upfront information: homebuyers want confidence as much as speed

What movers want from upfront information, and it isn’t only speed Having a survey, legal pack and chain details before making an offer would help more than eight in ten respondents, according to LRG’s latest sales report Of the 553 who answered the question, 41% said they would offer with more confidence, although not necessarily…
Read More →
Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

How Financial Anxiety Drains Entrepreneurial Energy

Financial anxiety can consume the attention and stamina that business owners need for planning, problem-solving and leading a team. A late payment, an unexpected tax bill or a weak sales month may trigger worry long after working hours have ended. Over time, that mental strain affects sleep, concentration and confidence. The answer starts with creating…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

How to future-proof a rental property for changing tenant expectations

Over the past decade or so, tenants have become far more discerning. For more and more people, renting is a long-term prospect and today’s tenants expect their homes to be as safe and comfortable as any home they would own themselves. And as legislation around standards and health and safety in the private rented sector…
Read More →
Breaking News

More than a third of homes undergo price reduction

The latest research from GetAgent.co.uk has revealed that more than a third (34.4%) of homes sold subject to contract (SSTC) across Britain’s major cities have undergone an asking price reduction, with this figure climbing to more than half in Bournemouth, raising questions over whether sellers, and their agents, are pricing their properties realistically when first…
Read More →
Breaking News

‘Explosion’ in e-signature use at Land Registry spells progress for homebuying reform

The number of e-signatures used at Land Registry has exploded in the latest quarter — jumping more than ten times in just three months to 643, Novus Strategy can reveal. Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) are a central plank of the revolution unfolding in homebuying because they reduce friction and save time. It’s a combination of…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

The Flats Above the Shop Problem

Why residential property hidden inside commercial ownership keeps causing trouble By Adam Hills, Client Services Director, LRG Living Markets Somewhere in many commercial property portfolios sits a small collection of front doors that was never really part of the plan. Many large and small retailers inherit residential property portfolios by default as part of mixed-use…
Read More →