The Success of Build-To-Rent

Two years ago, Abode2 asked if Build-To-Rent flats were the future for tenants, based off of the offerings at Quintain Living’s Wembley Park. As Quintain Living celebrates five years, we take a look back at just how much they have achieved.

On 6 March 2016, Quintain Living’s first residents moved into the operator’s first Build-To-Rent development at Wembley Park, in what was quickly to become one of the most exciting new neighbourhoods in London.

Initially launching two buildings – Montana and Dakota in 2016. Fast-forward five years and the award-winning management company is now overseeing homes to rent in 22 separate buildings.

The initial 141 homes available have grown to a staggering 3,255 (as of April 2021). Quintain Living has been proud to pioneer many elements of the modern rental experience. Their no fees/no deposits approach set the bar for the build to rent sector, while their ‘plug and play’ approach has created an enviably easy move-in process. Utilities are set up and ready to go, along with superfast Wi-Fi. Residents get one monthly, itemised bill and only pay for what they use. The introduction of secure, flexible tenancies was also well received by London’s renters.

Quintain Living’s contracts range from six months to five years in duration, with residents able to pick and choose to suit their needs. The focus on residents’ needs has been at the heart of Quintain Living from the beginning including the design process. The first two buildings each included a stylish social space, in the form of a residents’ lounge and an acre of secure landscaped gardens. There are now 27 social spaces spread across the Wembley Park developments, in addition to 12 roof terraces, seven podium gardens and two private gardens.

Five years ago, those gardens covered a single acre. Once the transformation of Wembley Park is complete in 2027, half of the 85-acre site will be public realm and private gardens, including a seven-acre park that will open later this year.

This attention to detail extends to other elements of the rental experience as well. Each building includes secure bike storage, while storage pods are available for larger items, from golf clubs to suitcases to canoes! And then there’s the customer care. Outstanding customer service has always been at the core of Quintain Living’s approach. Each building has a 24-hour concierge and a tireless team who are ready to tackle anything from receiving parcels to collecting dry cleaning… all those irritating life admin tasks that can be such a time drain.

Over the past five years, Quintain Living has curated a programme of social events for residents that has included everything from supper clubs with Michelin starred chefs to intimate gigs in podium gardens. Free tickets to Wembley events, whether it be music, sports or the theatre, are also given away to residents through prize draws.

This commitment to its residents has propelled Quintain Living to lead the build to rent sector in the UK. Wembley Park will be the largest BTR site in the country by 2024, by which time 5,000 homes will be under Quintain Living’s management. That figure will increase to 6,044 homes by 2027. Given the pace at which innovation has been taking place in respect of those homes over the past five years, it will be fascinating to see what occurs in the next five.

www.quintainliving.com