Is renting the future of housing in the UK? In this episode of Urban Forecast, we sit down with Michael Keaveney, Director of Land and Development at Grainger PLC, to explore the evolution of Build to Rent (BTR) and its impact on the housing market. From navigating planning challenges to the sustainability debate, Michael shares his insights on where the sector is heading, the role of investors, and whether BTR can truly help solve the UK’s housing crisis.

We also discuss the 'Goldilocks zone' for BTR viability, why placemaking is critical to long-term success, and the policy changes that could make or break the industry’s growth. Whether you're an investor, developer, or simply interested in the future of housing, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

 Key Takeaways:

Build to Rent is here to stay – BTR has grown significantly in recent years, but challenges remain in scaling it to meet demand.

The ‘Goldilocks’ principle – BTR only works in locations where land costs and rental income align, making it viable in some areas but not others.

Sustainability is a renter’s concern—up to a point – Operational energy costs matter, but embodied carbon remains low on the priority list for tenants.

The importance of placemaking – BTR developments thrive when they integrate well with their surroundings and contribute to local communities.

Policy and investment are crucial – Government subsidies, planning reform, and investor confidence all shape the future of the sector.

COVID-19 accelerated the rise of BTR – Lockdowns highlighted the importance of quality rental housing with strong amenities.

Tenant expectations are evolving – More renters are considering EPC ratings and total cost of living when choosing a home.

Subsidy is essential for affordable housing – Without increased government support, BTR alone won’t solve the UK’s housing crisis.

Best Moments (Quotes):

“COVID-19 really proved the value of Build to Rent – people started to understand why quality rental housing matters.”

“If you get placemaking wrong, your development won’t work – it has to feel like part of the community, not just a block of flats.”

“The reality is, you can’t have subsidised housing without subsidy – social rent needs serious government support.”

“There’s a ‘Goldilocks’ zone for Build to Rent – too expensive, and it doesn’t stack up. Too cheap, and it won’t get built.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Ackroyd Lowrie

Grainger PLC

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ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

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