Summary:  

With the number of BTR developments expected to increase by 180% in the next 6 years, is this a golden opportunity for developers? The REalyst takes a closer look, using the REalyse platform to find potential BTR hotsports. 

Read Time: 3 minutes

Whether you’re selling deckchairs or houses, the success of any business is underpinned by demand. Right now in the UK residential property market there is more demand for homesthan there is supply. And a growing number of people demanding property are doing so in the private rental sector (PRS), which is set to represent over a quarter of UK households by 2021. 

With demand comes opportunity. Many developers have started looking at Build-To-Rent (BTR) as a viable option and a strong alternative to building with the intent to sell. Not only are there financial benefits involved, but many tenants favour the BTR model, as they feel that a single company taking on full management offers a more secure way to rent. 

A Different Type of Supply

BTR developments do pretty much what they say on the tin: they are private residential properties, which are designed for rent instead of sale. What started with large developments in larger cities like London and Manchester is now expanding to smaller houses and apartments across the whole of the UK. 

The BTR format is proving popular with developers, who judge it to carry less risk than the ‘Build-To-Sell’ model. Developers can secure their exit strategy much earlier thanks to forward funding, thereby virtually guaranteeing their return on investment before even starting work on the project. 

Using the Right Metrics