The Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector has a vital role to play in tackling the UK’s housing crisis, but industry experts say it must evolve to remain viable, sustainable, and community-led.

The conclusions were drawn from a recent roundtable hosted by JLL and Mills & Reeve in Manchester, where key players from across the property sector discussed the challenges and opportunities in BTR. They highlighted the need for early investor engagement, greater collaboration across public and private sectors, and a shift towards community-driven placemaking.

A key takeaway was the need to engage investors early to secure financial viability and mitigate risk. Manchester’s Ancoats regeneration was cited as a success, where private investment aligned with local planning to create a thriving community.

However, attendees debated whether high-quality, affordable housing could be delivered while meeting government targets, given rising costs and regulatory hurdles.

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In particular, the Building Safety Act – while recognised as essential for ensuring resident safety – was described as having the unintended consequence of delaying housing delivery due to intricate compliance requirements and a shortage of planning officers.

Attendees agreed that the industry model must change, giving communities a greater say in shaping developments. Placemaking remains critical, but the sector must also balance digital and environmental progress with long-term financial viability.

Alexandra Bright, development associate director at JLL, says: “Collaboration is key to shaping a sustainable and responsive Build-to-Rent sector, and conversations like these help us tackle challenges, share best practices and drive innovation.”

Alexandra Murphy, principal associate at Mills & Reeve, agrees that debate is needed to take the industry forward.

“Bringing brilliant minds together in one room sparked exactly the kind of lively, solutions-focused discussion the BTR sector needs,” she says. “It’s clear that collaboration between developers, investors, and local authorities is crucial to overcoming challenges and unlocking opportunities.”