Is build-to-rent key to unlocking housebuilding?

The Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector has a vital role to play in addressing the UK’s housing crisis, but the industry must evolve to ensure developments are viable, sustainable, and community-led. That was the consensus among property leaders at a roundtable hosted by global real estate consultancy JLL and Mills & Reeve at Manchester’s Dakota Hotel.

Bringing together developers, funders, councils, housing associations, and operators from across the UK, the discussion explored the challenges and opportunities in BTR and underscored the need for collaboration across the public and private sectors.

A key takeaway was the need to engage investors early to secure financial viability and mitigate risk. Manchester’s Ancoats regeneration was cited as a success, where private investment aligned with local planning to create a thriving community. 

However, attendees debated whether high-quality, affordable housing could be delivered while meeting government targets, given rising costs and regulatory hurdles.

In particular, the Building Safety Act – while recognised as essential for ensuring resident safety – was described as having the unintended consequence of delaying housing delivery due to intricate compliance requirements and a shortage of planning officers. 

Attendees agreed that the industry model must change, giving communities a greater say in shaping developments. Placemaking remains critical, but the sector must also balance digital and environmental progress with long-term financial viability.

Alexandra Bright, Development Associate Director at JLL, said: “Collaboration is key to shaping a sustainable and responsive Build-to-Rent sector, and conversations like these help us tackle challenges, share best practices and drive innovation. 

“It was fantastic to bring together a diverse group of experts for a dynamic and insightful discussion - by working together, we can create high-quality, community-focused developments that meet both investor and tenant needs.”

Alexandra Murphy, Principal Associate at Mills & Reeve, said: “Bringing brilliant minds together in one room sparked exactly the kind of lively, solutions-focused discussion the BTR sector needs. It’s clear that collaboration between developers, investors, and local authorities is crucial to overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities. 
“Events like this remind us that, with the right conversations and partnerships, we can drive real change and create thriving, sustainable communities.”

Phil Hepworth, Director at AEW Architects, said: “With the need to develop more housing to cater for all and to deliver this in such a challenging economic and social climate, it is key that we collaborate and engage with all stakeholders to drive quality and efficiency and deliverability at speed. 

“This round table event provided a great opportunity to get a diverse group of professionals together to discuss and understand the challenges we all face at all stages of development and how we can help each other ultimately unlock and deliver people and place focused, sustainable, fit for purpose communities.”

Find out more about the Build to Rent sector in our Mapping the FutuRE campaign..

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