"Build to Rent has firmly established itself as one of the most important pillars of the UK's housing landscape, particularly in major urban centres where demand for high-quality rental homes continues to outstrip supply"
- Sian Hemming-Metcalfe - Property Inspect
Build to Rent completions in the UK rose more than 13% in 2025, and sector investment is forecast to climb a further 8% in 2026, according to new research by property management software firm Property Inspect.
The research analysed BTR planning and delivery data between 2023 and 2025 to map the trajectory of completions and the sector's pipeline heading into 2026. An estimated 146,728 BTR units were completed last year, a 13.4% annual increase on 2024's 129,355 units, which was itself up sharply from 108,286 in 2023.
That steady rise in completions has, however, run alongside a decline in units under construction. The 50,597 units under construction in 2025 represent a 14.7% drop on 2024's 59,294, which might suggest the pipeline is thinning. Planning data tells a different story. Units in planning stood at 101,462 in 2025, up 1.7% annually, driven by a 17.6% rise in units at the detailed planning permission stage, meaning many are close to breaking ground.
On the investment side, an estimated £5.3bn flowed into the BTR sector in 2025, a 6.1% annual increase following 10.3% growth in 2024. Property Inspect forecasts a further 7.7% rise in 2026, taking total investment beyond £5.7bn.
"Build to Rent has firmly established itself as one of the most important pillars of the UK's housing landscape, particularly in major urban centres where demand for high-quality rental homes continues to outstrip supply," said Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, operations director at Property Inspect. "The fact that completions have risen by more than 13% in 2025, alongside a strong planning pipeline and investment forecast to surpass £5.7bn in 2026, underlines just how resilient and forward-looking this sector has become."
"What sets BTR apart is its commitment to delivering a superior standard of living, from thoughtfully designed communal spaces and on-site amenities, to responsive management and a genuine focus on tenant experience. But maintaining that standard requires rigorous, ongoing inspections, proactive maintenance, and robust reporting processes to ensure properties continue to meet the expectations of modern renters."
"As the sector grows, so too does the need for professional oversight and operational excellence. That's where Property Inspect plays a crucial role, supporting landlords and operators with the detailed inspections and compliance processes that safeguard asset quality, protect investment value, and ultimately ensure tenants receive the high-quality service that defines the very best of Build to Rent."
