Which are the best BTR property management companies in the UK? The HomeViews BTR Awards reveal the Top 10 for 2021. This year we’ve split the category into management companies with more than 2,000 units and those with less than 2,000. This is intended to better reflect the huge range of portfolio sizes managed by these operators, and allows for more accurate comparison of similarly-sized companies. These are the only awards for the UK’s Build to Rent industry that are based on resident reviews. This gives the most accurate picture of the highest-performing property management companies from the perspective of those who know best: The residents.
Back in 2020, a collaborative report between HomeViews and Knight Frank revealed record levels of investment into the UK’s BTR sector. The £41 billion of capital committed to BTR up until 2020 was up 17% from the £35 billion total in 2019. The latest figures from the (BPF / Molior / Savills – Q3 2021) show the expansion of Build to Rent is not slowing. July 2021 saw long-term planning in place for almost 210,000 BTR homes, with detailed applications in place for almost 180,000 of those.
Why the increased appetite for investment in this sector? The reasons are multiple. Investors are looking for secure yields in such uncertain times. Renting is becoming increasingly common in the UK, where one in five households rent privately – up from one in ten back in 2001.
In addition, buy-to-let landlords have been exiting the market for some time. This follows tighter legislation and more restricted tax breaks in recent years. Tenants are in need of new options.
Unique BTR benefits
The Slate Yard development run by our 2020 Top Property Management Company Urbanbubble
BTR operators are offering amenities and benefits that few private landlords can. Lockdown only served to highlight this, as residents took to HomeViews to praise their management companies’ responses to the pandemic. BTR review scores also remained largely constant.
As we reported in October, demand for pet-friendly rental homes hit record levels after the end of lockdown. As renters scrambled to find new homes to fit their new lockdown lifestyles, BTR was uniquely positioned to capitalise: Coworking spaces, communal areas, fitness facilities and a concierge to sign for every Amazon package – who could say no to that?
HomeViews Awards judging criteria
We decided to tailor the 2021 HomeViews Awards to better reflect this rapidly growing sector. We created two awards for property management companies rather than having just the one. These new awards were presented to the best management companies of more than 2,000, and less than 2,000 units.
The 2021 HomeViews BTR Awards solely on reviews between 16th October 2020 – 15th October 2021. The Top 10 BTR Management Companies list below (made up of both Top 5 lists) was decided based on Verified resident ratings. Only companies with at least 50 Verified reviews were considered, and they had to have at least three developments with reviews on HomeViews.com.
Top 10 BTR property management companies
(Please note, the Star ratings shown below differ from the awards scoring as they also factor in historical reviews.)
Top 5 under 2,000 units
Number of Developments
4.81 Rating (based on 328 reviews)
This independent property consultancy strives to have a people focused approach. The success of Allsop has built up over 100 years’ experience in commercial and residential property consultancy, investment and also management. Developments The Trilogy in Manchester, Duet in Manchester, Vox in Manchester and The Keel in Liverpool are all developments managed by Allsop currently […]
Read more about Allsop Letting and Management
Number of Developments
4.78 Rating (based on 105 reviews)
Vertus is a part of the Canary Wharf Group – an integrated property development, investment and management group of companies. It is a build-to-rent operator, solely focused on rental properties in the Canary Wharf Estate. Vertus apartments are ready to move into, offering residents a simple registration process, flexible tenancies and exclusive events. Service is […]
Read more about Vertus
Number of Developments
4.49 Rating (based on 340 reviews)
Way of Life lays the foundations for renters to make a home. With ready-to-move-in, accommodation, no-fuss tenancy management and an in-house team there when you need them. Way of Life see your home “as an extension of yourself. Where you rest, play, work and create relationships. But also where you find a sense of belonging. […]
Read more about Way of Life
Number of Developments
4.58 Rating (based on 314 reviews)
Essential Living is a Build to Rent property developer based in London. Its hallmarks are premium apartments in well-connected locations. Essential Living developments There are many Essential Living developments on HomeViews: Berkshire House in Maidenhead, Vantage Point in Archway, Islington, and Dressage Court in Bethnal Green. In addition, Union Wharf, Essential Living’s newest development is […]
Read more about Essential Living
Number of Developments
4.39 Rating (based on 1185 reviews)
Fizzy Living is a professional landlord on a mission to reinvent renting. Fizzy provides good quality homes for rent in secure buildings across London, and is committed to delivering exceptional five-star customer service throughout your tenancy. This developer is also pet-friendly too! Developments There are seven Fizzy developments in London – Fizzy Canning Town, Fizzy Epsom, Fizzy Poplar, Fizzy Stepney […]
Read more about Fizzy Living
Top 5 over 2,000 units
Number of Developments
4.87 Rating (based on 550 reviews)
Founded in 2016, Dandara Living is one of the UK’s leading designers, developers and operators of largescale Build-to-Rent property. Their aim is to offer “great places to live in great locations”. With over 5,800 apartments across the UK, they pride themselves on offering a wide range of amenities and great customer service. Dandara Living was […]
Read more about Dandara Living
Number of Developments
4.62 Rating (based on 420 reviews)
Legal & General is one of the UK’s leading financial services groups and a major global investor, with international business in the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia. Established in 1836, Legal & General have invested over £19 million in direct investments such as homes, urban regeneration, clean energy and small business finance. Legal & […]
Read more about Legal & General
Number of Developments
4.55 Rating (based on 630 reviews)
Get Living is a Build to Rent property developer. They are leading the charge for a better way of renting, with no deposits, no fees and longer tenancies for its residents and is pet friendly. The Get Living team aims to help tenants feel at home from the moment they move in. All Get Living […]
Read more about Get Living
Number of Developments
4.39 Rating (based on 507 reviews)
Greystar is a global leader in rental housing. They focus on providing beautiful environments and world-class service that enhance the living experience. With over 25 years’ experience in the US. Greystar have also expanded to the UK and Europe, with a number of purpose-built rental communities. These offer premium quality apartments with exclusive resident amenities. […]
Read more about Greystar
Number of Developments
4.28 Rating (based on 439 reviews)
Simple Life Homes offer new homes to rent, with support from housebuilding partners, the government and investment. In previous years, people looking to rent have had a limited choice of high standard homes teamed with a professional service and long term options, particularly when looking to rent a house. Simple Life Homes provide the perfect […]
Read more about Simple Life Homes
HomeViews National Build to Rent Report 2022
The 2022 HomeViews National Build to Rent Report will be released in January 2022.
Drawing on detailed review data covering 64% of completed BTR stock in the UK, the report will provide the most comprehensive insights available on the Build to Rent sector.
HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.
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