Build to rent completions rise as construction pipeline slows

The build to rent sector has delivered another strong quarter, adding more than 3,700 new homes across the UK, even as construction activity shows signs of cooling.

Fresh analysis from Property Inspect reveals that 139,132 BTR units had been completed by Q3 2025, a quarterly lift of 2.7% and an annual jump of 13.6%.

However, the number of units being built has fallen sharply, raising questions about how long the recent momentum can last.

An estimated 52,535 homes were under construction in Q3, a fall of 12.5% on the year and down 6.2% compared with the previous quarter.

That quarterly drop equates to 3,457 fewer units than in Q2.

Demand for BTR

The firm’s operation director, Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, said: “The build to rent sector is set to be a focal point of growth in the UK property market, and may well become a dominant force in the rental sector.

“It is highly desirable for tenants who continue to create strong demand for the high standard, superior experience and ultimate flexibility that BTR offers.

“Because of this strong, steady demand, investors and planning committees see BTR as a ‘safe bet’ and a reliable way of increasing the nation’s supply of good quality rental homes.”

She added: “The rise of build to rent does, however, present a challenge for managing agents and property managers.

“One of the sector’s primary selling points is the higher standard of service and living it provides compared to the wider private rented market.

“As such, tenants come in with sky-high expectations, assuming high quality and utmost efficiency at all times – from check-in through to eventual check-out.”

More BTR units planned

Despite the slowdown on live sites, Property Inspect’s data shows 106,406 BTR homes sit somewhere in the planning system.

That’s a 2.1% annual rise and a 1.4% quarterly lift.

In the latest quarter, around 1,520 future units entered the pipeline.