Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed provider of private rental homes, has expanded its portfolio of Build to Rent properties in Milton Keynes with a new residential development called Engima Square.

This follows the successful launch of Solstice Apartments in the city in 2020.

The new scheme, which is set to welcome its first residents in November 2022, includes 261 high-quality rental homes, made up of a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Many of these feature a balcony.

The eight-storey development is situated on North Row in the heart of Milton Keynes, a new city which incorporates a US-style grid system and is perhaps best known for its football team, its hockey team and its dry ski slopes. 

North Row is a short and convenient five-minute walk from various city centre amenities, including the shopping centre, Centre:MK, and just 10 minutes’ walk from Milton Keynes Central Station, with trains reaching London in only 35 minutes or so. This makes it perfect for those who work remotely and travel to London on a regular basis, or those looking to commute into the city.  

All of the apartments at Enigma Square are said to be highly energy efficienct, in line with most new-build developments, and graded with an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of A to C.

With energy bills soaring, and set to soar even further this winter, recent data from JLL found that the energy bill of a property with an EPC level G is now on average £3,246 more expensive per year versus a property with an EPC of A to C. As a result, Grainger says residents have the potential to save ‘thousands of pounds every year’ living at Enigma Square.

What’s on offer?

The scheme has a number of amenities included within the rental agreement, including a resident’s lounge, social games lounge, on-site 24-hour gym, a private dining room, co-working space, a meeting room and integrated meeting booths.

As well as the above, residents will benefit from superfast free broadband and smart-phone charging points in the co-working spaces, while the 6,000 sq.ft of outdoor space includes a courtyard and terrace situated on the ground floor of the development. 

“We are redefining the way that people rent homes, and at Enigma Square we look forward to creating a brilliant new community that combines the flexibility of renting, with high-quality homes and professional services to give our residents the best experience possible,” Grainger’s chief executive Helen Gordon said.

“Enigma Square marks Grainger’s second scheme in Milton Keynes, following on from the successful launch of Solstice Apartments in 2020. Having a second site in the city provides potential residents with additional opportunities and existing residents with the flexibility to move between schemes should their circumstances change.”

The homes at Enigma Square start from £1,045 per calendar month.

Grainger, which is headquartered in the North East, has one of the largest collection of private rental homes in the UK – ranging from Salford and East London to Sheffield, Southampton, Bury, Bristol and Newcastle.