Competing with Build to Rent

The growth of the Build to Rent asset class is seemingly unstoppable, but traditional buy to let landlords can make their offer equally attractive.

Build to Rent investors are rapidly changing the face of renting all overthe UK. Brand new apartments, long leases and a wide range of amenities have all helped create a lifestyle that is very appealing, especially to young professionals.

Over the past few years, we have witnessed a huge increase in the number of completed tenants-what-it-means-for-the-uk-build-to-rent-sector'>build to rent homes in London and in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow and Sheffield.

The numbers of new BTR units being constructed, or in planning, are on the up.

This brand new rental property coming on to the market will result in traditional buy to let landlords facing a lot of competition to obtain the best returns on their investment. There is, of course, still plenty of demand for the more traditional rental homes. If you are a landlord with one or two properties in a town or city that is now well served by the rapidly expanding BTR sector, however, it is worth considering that tenants will increasingly be comparing your rental home with brand new, all encompassing ones, that they may see locally.

Five ways to make traditional homes seem attractive

1. Improve your offering: Get rid of out-dated furniture and invest in high quality fixtures and fittings with a fresh, modern décor.

2. Market your property effectively: Take good quality photographs whilst the property is vacant and ready to rent. It will then be shown at its best.

3. Use a professional Letting Agent to find the right tenant for your property.

4. Think about offering longer rental agreements to prospective tenants: Three-year terms are now becoming commonplace in the BTR sector.

5. Download our PlanetRent app to ensure that you give your tenants a professional rental journey from start to finish and to make sure you comply with all of the latest regulations.