‘Built for Renters’ homes better than owning? Decide for yourself

‘Built for Renters’ homes (also known as Build to Rent, or BTR) are the highest-rated homes on HomeViews.com – the UK’s only reviews platform dedicated to property. We currently have 37,214 reviews of new homes across the country, and carefully verify reviewers so you can trust what they say.

Currently, Built for Renters residents rate their homes higher than owners, private tenants or Shared Owners in new build homes. Many renters in Scandinavia and the US are familiar with this type of renting that combines a hassle-free lifestyle with a thriving community. However, it’s a relatively new phenomenon here in the UK. So, what are Built for Renters homes? Why are they so popular? Where are the best developments? Read on to find out.

What are Built for Renters homes?

Built for Renters (or Build to Rent) homes are new developments designed and run entirely for renters. It’s one of the fastest-growing types of housing, with big names like John Lewis recently joining the market. The renter lifestyle often differs from that of a homeowner, and renting from a private landlord is often complicated and unreliable. So, Built for Renters homes offer unique benefits:

Common features of Built for Renters, or Build to Rent, homes.

The UK’s highest-rated new build homes

Built for Renters homes are the highest-rated type of new build homes on HomeViews.com. Every year, HomeViews celebrates the very best schemes in the country – see all the award-winning developments by region from our last Awards here:

Why are these homes so popular?

Every year we analyse our vast database of reviews to see what residents are saying about Built for Renters homes. And every year, it’s the same features that residents value the most: Strong community, excellent facilities, great management and a hassle-free experience.

Furnished apartments with resident events

Community
Most Built for Renters developments offer a wide range of resident events. Dinners, cocktails, yoga classes, dog walks and more – they aim to make sure there’s something for everyone.

Facilities
As you can see in the list above, these homes give residents much more than your average apartment block. Many reviewers say they feel like they’re living at a luxury hotel!

Management
As well as providing the resident events mentioned above, Built for Renters schemes often have outstanding management teams who look after residents’ needs and help them feel at home.

Hassle-free
With transparent contracts, managed bills and broadband, fully-furnished homes, help moving in, concierge services and more, Built for Renters homes help take the strain out of renting.

See Built for Renters homes in your area

Click on the image below to explore Built for Renters homes in your region using our interactive homepage map.

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HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.

What is HomeViews?
written by

Jan Moys

A residential property expert with over 15 years’ experience creating content... Read all

A residential property expert with ov... Read all