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

April 13, 2018
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

Breaking News

Real-life value of the most famous Christmas film homes

The real-life value of the most famous Christmas film homes, from budget classics to multimillion-pound mansions New research has gathered and analysed the estimated valuations of real homes featured in popular Christmas films, ranking them by cost. The priciest homes are featured in The Holiday, Trading Places, and Home Alone, with Amanda’s home from The…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

77% of buyers refuse to buy a flood risk property

Despite 4.7 million English homes facing flood risk New research from Lyons Bowe has revealed that 77% of homebuyers would not consider purchasing a property in a flood risk area, despite more than 4.7 million homes across England currently being deemed at risk of flooding. The findings come as the Government launches a new flood taskforce amid…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Poor Communication becomes Expensive at Scale

The hidden cost of fragmented property management By Adam Hills, Client Services Director, LRG Living Markets A landlord asks for an update on a repair. The property manager asks the contractor, who is waiting for access from the tenant. Meanwhile, the accounts team has received an invoice but cannot tell whether the work is complete.…
Read More →
Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

When Estate Agents Decide to Go Solo

Leaving an established estate agency to work independently gives experienced agents more control over fees, client service and working hours. It also brings responsibility for compliance, cash flow and every part of the customer experience. Before handing in your notice, test the idea against realistic sales volumes, local competition and the amount of time you…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

What Should Buyers Ask Before Reserving a New Build?

Research from Skipton Building Society has found that 44% of aspiring first time buyers would rather buy a new build than an older property, with just 30% favouring an older build. Modern fittings and appliances were the biggest draw, cited by over half of those who preferred a new build, alongside the promise of lower…
Read More →
Breaking News

The UK cities with the largest property price increases revealed

A new study has unveiled the most challenging UK cities for first-time buyers. Newry leads Northern Ireland’s ranking, with a property price increase of 12.8%, while Hull leads Great Britain’s ranking, recording an increase of 6.6%. The research examined data from HM Land Registry to reveal the cities that have faced the highest property price…
Read More →