Key Takeaways from Bisnow's Single Family Rental Summit

The UK's single-family rental sector is a key component of the real estate landscape, providing standalone dwellings for individual households, in both urban and rural settings. Influenced by factors like demographics, economics, and government policies, the sector offers families much needed privacy and independence.  

We have all seen how lack of affordability and accessibility has impacted home ownership, making the single-family rental sector a dynamic and essential part of the UK's housing market. 

My top takeaways from the summit are:

• Collaborations and Partnerships: The sector has attracted significant interest from institutional and individual investors seeking stable returns and portfolio diversification. Pension funds are increasingly entering the market, contributing to the overall growth and popularity of the sector. In 2023 alone, we saw a number of notable deals including the sale of 604 homes by Barratt to Citra Living and the sale of 1500 homes by Vistry to Leaf Living.
• Tenant Preferences and Lifestyle Changes: Tenants in the single-family rental sector often prioritize a safe neighbourhood, amenities and a sense of community. Properties with outdoor spaces, parking, and proximity to schools and amenities are particularly attractive. 
• Increasing Demand: The single-family rental sector in the UK has experienced a surge in demand, driven by factors such as changing lifestyle preferences, economic uncertainties, and rising interest rates. Many individuals and families are opting for the flexibility and convenience (mirroring the “subscription lifestyle”) offered by single-family rentals over traditional homeownership. Whether this points towards a long term societal shift is yet to be seen.
• Technology: Technology has a huge part to play in meeting ESG goals, promoting sustainability and enhancing the overall environmental impact of rental properties. Residents look for the integration of smart home technology in their homes, such as energy efficient appliances and smart thermostats giving much needed clarity on the cost of running their home. Landlords are relying on app based property management platforms to enable the efficient monitoring and management of their portfolios. Digital platforms are essential in order to facilitate communication between landlords and tenants, which helps foster transparency and accountability.