"We do not claim that build-to-rent is ‘the answer’ to the housing crisis we face - that lies ultimately in a mix of new and refurbished homes and neighbourhoods that include social housing, homes to buy, community-led housing and private renting - but we believe that build-to-rent is part of the answer"
- Matthew Morgan - Quality of Life Foundation
A new report into the social impact of BTR, published by the Quality of Life Foundation and supported by the British Property Federation and the Association for Rental Living has highlighted the build-to-rent sector's growing role in addressing the UK’s housing shortage while contributing to better quality of life for residents and communities.
Based on a mix of subjective and objective research conducted by the Quality of Life Foundation at three developments delivered by build-to-rent providers GetLiving, Greystar and Long Harbour/Way of Life – the report examines how these developments influence residents’ well-being, community relationships, and the broader social fabric of neighbourhoods.
The report highlights the key contributions of build-to-rent developments on residents’ quality of life:
Enhancing resident wellbeing: 82% of residents reported that their homes positively impact their health and wellbeing, with standout features including green spaces, communal areas, and the professional management of their homes.
Fostering stability in the private rented sector: 60% of residents have lived in the developments for more than a year, and a quarter have done so for three years or more, reflecting the appeal of longer-term rental options.
Providing access to nature and green space: 94% of respondents recognised the provision of high-quality green space in and around the development and its positive effect on health and wellbeing.
Importantly, the positive impacts of build-to-rent developments appear to reach beyond the red line of the sites themselves. The developments were credited by members of the local community with improving walkability and enhancing cycling infrastructure, as well as providing easier access to leisure amenities.
Community cohesion in and around the studied developments also appears to be strong. Residents and members of the wider community reported that these developments are places where people from diverse backgrounds get on well, with levels of agreement with this statement exceeding national averages. In most cases, residents attributed this cohesion to the activities and events held throughout the year. 58% of respondents in the wider community had taken part in events or initiatives at the developments.
Room for improvement
While build-to-rent developments have made significant contributions to enhancing residents' quality of life, the report highlights that there are still areas for improvement. One key concern is the thermal performance of homes, with residents highlighting challenges in managing warmer temperatures during summer months. This issue calls for more climate-responsive design solutions to ensure year-round comfort.
Another area for improvement is the provision of shops and services. While residents and the wider community appreciate current offerings, there is demand for more specific services, such as affordable stores for everyday essentials, and social infrastructure such as medical facilities. Additionally, concerns were raised about the perception of safety in public spaces, particularly at night.
Recommendations
The report makes a series of recommendations to build-to-rent developers and other stakeholders interested in the BTR sector, such as local authorities, and planning and design professionals, to maintain and enhance the social impact of these developments. These include:
- Maintain the provision of high-quality communal public space in schemes, supported by hosted events and programming
- Continue to deliver high-quality green and blue space (parks and waterways) as key assets for creating health and wellbeing
- Continue to provide high-quality play spaces for children and young people
- Create opportunities for more affordable cafes, shops and supermarkets at developments
- Find new ways to reduce neighbourhood noise and high volumes of traffic from surrounding areas
-Address perceptions of higher crime rates in and around developments
- Create more opportunities for improved walkability and cycling infrastructure in the areas surrounding developments
“This report represents our first steps in understanding the social impact of the build-to-rent sector. It offers an example of what can be learned when the private sector comes together to share insights and improve the way it does business through understanding its impact, and provides a model that we hope can be replicated across the housing sector," says Matthew Morgan, co-founder and director of the Quality of Life Foundation, “We do not claim that build-to-rent is ‘the answer’ to the housing crisis we face - that lies ultimately in a mix of new and refurbished homes and neighbourhoods that include social housing, homes to buy, community-led housing and private renting - but we believe that build-to-rent is part of the answer.
He concluded, “We hope the insights from this research will not only inform best practices in the sector but also support improved practices across the development industry as a whole so that we can tackle the UK’s dual housing and health crises more effectively.”
“This report reinforces the potential of build-to-rent to create healthier, happier, and more connected neighbourhoods, with the majority of residents reporting that their homes positively impact their wellbeing. As the sector evolves and diversifies to meet varied needs, maintaining a long-term vision of quality, sustainability, and community integration will be key to ensuring build-to-rent continues to set new standards in housing," added Theo Plowman, assistant director at the British Property Federation.
“We hope the report inspires policymakers, investors, and developers to embrace this model as a key part of the housing solution,” he said.
Brendan Geraghty, CEO of the Association for Rental Living, concluded: “This report demonstrates that simply providing a home is not enough. It is the relationships that the home, and its occupants, can establish with the people, places, and enterprises around them that deliver improved and sustained well-being.
"The build-to-rent sector’s professional approach to resident and community support, for the long-term, along with its strong commitment to quality, is the sector’s value add and cements its importance in the UK’s housing tenure mix of today and tomorrow.”
