BTR vs Traditional Leasing

Build to Rent (BTR), is a growing segment of the UK residential sector and is gaining pace as more institutional landlords jump in to improve the quality of buildings and amenities provided. Yet, not enough renters are aware of all the benefits offered.
The mindset of young professionals has changed; quality and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are much higher up the agenda. Not surprisingly, BTR developments aim to cater to these needs, and consequently, BTR properties offer a wide range of modern facilities and delight renters: a promise of a high-quality living experience. The vibe is about residents being able to get their needs or concerns addressed instantly. Spaces are designed to be welcoming to help create a sense of community within the building and make the residents feel safe and secure.

Low Bills Living

BTR buildings are new so the bills are cheaper. Better still, usually, Wi-Fi is included, and in coliving buildings often electricity and water too. The reason that bills are cheaper is that the buildings have been built according to the June 2022 Part L Regulations – which determined that all new homes must produce 30% less carbon dioxide emissions. This means homes are extremely well insulated–when living in the Moda Living Angel Gardens building it was snowing and our PlanetRent MD did not even need to put the heating on! Appliances are energy efficient, windows are double or triple-glazed, heat from cooking and showering is recycled and redistributed around the home, and more…

BTR offers No Maintenance Hassle

Living with minimal maintenance is one of the most attractive aspects of BTR tenancies. Most properties are new and are designed for ease of maintenance. Most UK BTR developments over about 75 homes have staff on site; so gone is the problem of reporting a repair to an Agent, then chase and chase and chase, enter, hotel-style responsiveness.
And, as the landlord has probably developed the property, they’ll know everything about the building's construction and how to deal with budding issues. Better still, since BTR properties are newly constructed with high-quality standards, there are fewer maintenance problems.

BTR epitomizes a landlord who cares

When the landlord is an institution, they are in it for the long term; the building is an investment and your rent may well be used to pay fund liabilities, i.e., someone else’s pension. An institutional landlord is an expert investor, their mindset is all about maintaining the asset value – so they are interested in repairing things, meeting reasonable requests, and keeping you, and normally your pet too, happy in your home, so you stay longer.

BTR landlords love to shout about their ‘green credentials

Environmental are rarely at the top of a buy-to-let landlord’s priority list, they are for institutional landlords because, people who invest in ISAs, pensions, etc… want to invest in ethically responsible investment vehicles, so BTR landlords simply cannot get funding unless good level of ‘green credentials’ are achieved. There is a match between the green agenda demands of the younger renter and the institutional landlord. Both want a low carbon footprint: interests are aligned. If you rent from a BTR landlord, you are making a lifestyle choice: an intentional decision to seek a home that offers energy efficiency, a low carbon footprint, and a building built using responsibly sourced materials. BTR developments are designed to be eco-friendly. Most of them have features like solar panels, green roofs, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. They allow tenants to live a sustainable lifestyle without harming the environment.

Type of BTR

BTR comes in many forms: in simple terms, BTR just means built to rent for renters–as the investment objective. Like in any business, there are different products: premium, market, and affordable. In BTR these terms usually differentiate the amount of facilities and amenities built in.

What facilities and amenities does premium BTR offer?
Premium BTR includes access to premium facilities in the rental package. This may be state-of-the-art fitness centers, coworking'>coworking on site, residents’ lounges, games rooms, luxurious spas, modern swimming pools, private cinema, and even private dining rooms. These facilities target today's discerning renters seeking a convenient and comfortable lifestyle. They can unwind and relax at home after a busy day at work.
Most BTR properties also typically offer 24-hour concierge services and some level of maintenance staff on hand. The best BTR properties also feature rooftop terraces and landscaped gardens. Residents can get stunning views and enjoy a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. They provide the perfect setting for socializing with friends and neighbors or enjoying quality time in solitude.

BTR removes the fear of untimely rent increases
Hassle-free renting is what many renters look for, and BTR properties deliver this very effectively. Most BTR schemes offer deposit-free renting, you purchase a ‘deposit alternative product’ for the cost of 1 week's rent. BTR buildings usually offer longer-term rental agreements typically a fixed term of three years with rent increases set out so you know where you are. This can spare you the hassle of annual renegotiation. This stability factor can be particularly helpful for busy professionals who plan their careers in three-to-five-year blocks. When they have a firm idea of how much they will be spending on house rentals, they can plan and allocate resources more effectively and get relief from the stress of unexpected rent hikes.
BTR is focused on providing high-quality, purpose-built rental properties with professional management and a range of amenities.

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