The 2023 HomeViews Build to Rent Design Report includes the industry’s most in-depth study of Build to Rent design – according to the residents themselves. We take a look at the ten highest rated developments for design in the report and discover why this sector continues to perform so highly in this area.
HomeViews reviews show that design has always been a strong point for Build to Rent. According to the report, published in August 2023, BTR tenants almost always gave a higher rating across all HomeViews categories than tenants in BTS developments – regardless of the building’s design type. Interestingly, the report also found that larger BTR developments (more than 350 units) outperformed smaller developments on Design scores.
What makes a Top Development for Design?
The difference between the highest and lowest rated buildings for Design came down to quality and how well things were designed to last. We took an in-depth look at one of the Top 10 highest rated buildings for design – 8 Water Street by Vertus – and spoke to AGC BTR, the interior designers responsible for the scheme.
Design in Focus: The Keel
Previously an HMRC tax office, The Keel was renovated in 2015 and is currently managed by Allsop Lettings and Management. It comprises 240 apartments in the banks of the River Mersey and includes facilities such as a concierge and a private resident’s gym.
The scheme features in the top 10 UK BTR developments for design, with a score of 4.67 out of 5. To compete in the Top 10 for design, the scheme’s scores are a testament to the highest quality of luxury living and providing residents with the ‘wow factor’ in the finer details of their home.
“The building was originally an office building however the design work put in to creating these beautiful apartments is astonishing. The level of hard work going in to the maintenance is fantastic. The Keel community app has helped with highlighting any issues and work to mitigate future issues has been fast and efficient.”
– Becca W, Verified Resident on HomeViews, The Keel by Allsop Lettings and Management, Oct 2022
Along with its top 10 ranking for design, The Keel also features as one of the UK’s most highly-rated BTR developments overall, with a resident score of 4.86 out of 5. This placed it in second nationally for BTR developments of 300 units or less at the HomeViews Build to Rent Resident Choice Awards. You can find out more about the awards in our 2023 Build to Rent Report.
Top 10 Build to Rent developments rated for design
Please note: ratings shown below are for the development’s overall Star Rating – this list is ordered according to rankings for the Design review category, correct at time of publishing the Report (August 2023).
Moda Living’s The Mercian tops the 2023 BTR design rankings with an amazing score of 4.94 out of 5. The development offers 481 stunning apartments over 42 storeys. Located on the former site of The Click Club, it is the tallest residential tower in Birmingham. As well as great amenities and views, it offers a 200-metre rooftop running track!
Read reviews and details of The Mercian, B15Taking second place is The Trilogy, a HomeViews award-winning development comprising of 232 one, two and three bedroom apartment. The development offers residents 24-hour security and an on-site resident services team and is located in the heart of Castlefield, with its waterside bars and pubs. The nightlife and boutiques of Spinningfields are just a few moments away on the tram or a leisurely 20-minute walk.
Read reviews and details of The Trilogy, M15Taking third place, Vox, managed by Allsop is incredibly the only development to retain its place from the 2022 design rankings. Vox offers a collection of 1,2 and 3-bed apartments. Moreover, they are only a short bus away from the city centre. In addition to underbuilding parking, there is also storage for over 280 bikes. These are monitored by CCTV and stored behind fob operated doors. Other facilities include a gym, roof terrace and residents lounge.
Read reviews and details of Vox, M15 The James Liverpool is a vibrant community located in the heart of the city on James Street. The new development serves as a place for big thinkers and game changers to live, work, and socialise, while they pursue their big and bold goals. The James offers everything necessary for modern living under one roof, including spaces […]
Read reviews and details of The James Liverpool, L2 The Gessner in Tottenham Hale offers 164 apartments to rent. These include a mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments. In addition, the development offers a range of amenities, including a gym, smart parcel lockers, free super-fast Wi-Fi and an 24-hour on-site team. Furthermore, residents can enjoy rooftop garden views, cosy lounges and […]
Read reviews and details of The Gessner, N17 The Keel, a build-to-rent development managed by Allsop, sits in Queen’s Dock, Liverpool. Comprising of 240 apartments overlooking the River Mersey, residents benefit from onsite concierge and a private residents’ gym. As well as this, the development is pet friendly and has access to a wide variety of transport links.
Read reviews and details of The Keel, L3 The McEwan is located in the heart of Fountainbridge, just a few minute walk away from Haymarket Train Station. There are 476 brand new, state of the art rental homes. Residents have access to a wide range of amenity spaces including a gym, studio, cinema room, a co-working space, shared lounges and public spaces. On […]
Read reviews and details of The McEwan, EH3 The Point is a unique development of studio apartments centrally located in the Schoolhill area of Aberdeen. The development has a free resident’s gym, TV and screening rooms, co-working facilities, residents lounges and bookable rooms for parties and events. The on-site team are available 24/7 and include customer service and maintenance teams. Aberdeen Train and […]
Read reviews and details of The Point, AB10 The Whitmore Collection is a development offering a range of 1 & 2 bedroom canal-side apartments and townhouses. These feature high-quality appliances and and video security intercom along with speedy 100MB Virgin broadband. Likewise, residents can enjoy facilities including a residents’ courtyard, gym, a clubhouse and private dining room.
Read reviews and details of The Whitmore Collection, B3 The Junction, located in Leeds is a collection of 665 one, two and three bedroom apartments. The stylish Build to Rent residential and retail scheme will also include parking and cycle storage. In addition, residents benefit from co-working and meeting spaces as well as private dining and landscaped gardens. Additionally, the touch down points at […]
Read reviews and details of The Junction, LS12HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, landlords and the Government to recognise high performers and help to improve standards in the built environment.
Join us at the 2025 Resident Choice Awards
HomeViews’ Resident Choice Awards return on 13th February 2025. Take your seat among the UK’s most outstanding and innovative BTR developers to celebrate the very best Build to Rent operators, developments and teams, including new categories for Build to Sell and Shared Ownership brands.
As always, the awards will be based solely on the experiences of those who matter most: the residents. No entry forms, no judging panels and no sponsorship requirements – just verified resident reviews on HomeViews.
