Build to Rent

The Build to Rent scheme was launched in 2012 as part of a series of government initiatives to increase the supply of high quality homes available for market rent in the private sector.

The Build to Rent Fund, which closed in 2016, provided loans to cover up to 50% of eligible development costs. This has been replaced by the Home Building Fund, which is managed by the Home and Communities Agency, providing funding for private sector development schemes including those for build for rent

The Urban Land Institute 'Build to Rent: A Best Practice Guide 2 ed' focuses on factors, such as valuation and planning issues; factors for deciding upon suitable locations, including public transport, infrastructure, local amenities, demographics, sustainability, engineering and construction; and fit out. It discusses how these schemes when completed and occupied will be managed.

The British Property Federation (BPF)  and Savills, in conjunction with the London School of Economics, published 'Unlocking the benefits and potential to build to rent'  in February 2017. Key recommendations include a statutory definition of build to rent and support  in planning and financial terms. The Government’s White Paper on Housing 'Fixing our broken housing market' highlights its commitment to the build to rent sector.

The BPF’s Build to rent map plots build to rent across the UK aimed at attracting institutional investors invest in this sector.