The 6 Build to Rent operators rated highest in the UK

The 6 Build to Rent operators rated highest in the UK

We discover the six UK Build to Rent operators rated highest by their tenants. Verified reviews on HomeViews throughout 2021-2022 revealed that these six BTR landlords scored highest during the year – a testament to their outstanding customer service under extraordinary circumstances. All six are recognised in the HomeViews Build to Rent Resident Choice Awards.

Build to Rent is a rapidly growing sector in the UK. Figures for Q2 2023 listed over 253,400 BTR homes either completed, under construction or in planning across the nation. This is up from 180,000 in Q4 2020, representing sustained growth for the industry. Manchester, Birmingham and the Greater London area are all BTR development hotspots that continue to attract build to rent companies and buyers. 

So which Build to Rent operators are the best performers? Where should the industry look for best practice?

2023 National Build to Rent Report

Each year, the HomeViews National Build to Rent Report shows how the industry is evolving, and highlights which develoments and developers are leading the pack. You can download your copy of the 2023 report now, which for the first time has been created in partnership with Rightmove.

The report contains details on the HomeViews BTR Awards, which revealed the top ranked BTR property management companies of 2021-22. This is the only set of awards for the Build to Rent industry that’s based purely on resident reviews.

6 highest-rated BTR operators in the UK

These six top-rated build to rent developers are the best that the UK has to offer. This is according to the people whose opinion matters the most – the residents! The rankings that determined who made it to the top of the list are based on how well they scored on Customer Service and Management, and how likely the resident was to recommend the developer to other renters. These factors, combined with their overall scores across all their HomeViews residents ratings, determined their final ranking.

With an industry growing this fast, size matters. Bigger BTR developments will offer a different style of service to smaller, more bespoke operations. Neither is necessarily better or worse, just different. As the BTR industry evolves in the UK, renters can more easily find a developer whose offering best suits their needs and preferences. Accordingly, we’ve split the list of Top 6 BTR developers in two. Below you can find the Top 3 who manage over 3,000 units, and the Top 3 managing under 3,000.

Click here to receive a FREE copy of the 2023 National Build to Rent Report from HomeViews. It contains unique insights from almost 11,000 resident reviews across UK BTR schemes.

(Please note: the star ratings shown below differ from the BTR Awards scoring as the awards were based purely on reviews from the awards period between 2021-22)

Top 3 BTR Developers managing over 3,000 units

urbanbubble

urbanbubble

Number of Developments

22
4.63 Rating (based on 2356 reviews)

In the heart of Manchester we find Urbanbubble, our award-winner in this category for 2022. Urbanbubble is the North West’s fastest-growing residential property management company. It currently manages Build to Rent schemes across Bath, Birmingham, London and Leeds. In addition, it manages 1,500 rental apartments across Blackfriars, Deansgate Square’s West Tower, Anco&Co and Crescent.

Read more about urbanbubble

Moda Living

Moda Living

Number of Developments

8
4.77 Rating (based on 967 reviews)

Second placed in the larger operator category is Moda Living. Moda, a family owned business founded in 2019, is an investor, developer and operator of build to rent homes with an aim to “build high quality homes with a high level of amenities including shared gyms, lounges and gardens”.

Read more about Moda Living

Get Living

Get Living

Number of Developments

3
4.40 Rating (based on 1250 reviews)

Taking the well-deserved third spot is Get Living. They are leading the charge for a better way of renting, with no deposits, no fees and longer tenancies for its residents, as well as being pet friendly.

Read more about Get Living

Top 3 BTR Developers managing under 3,000 units

Allsop Letting and Management

Allsop Letting and Management

Number of Developments

5
4.83 Rating (based on 777 reviews)

Topping our list of smaller BTR management companies for the second year running is Allsop Letting and Management. This independent property consultancy strives to have a ‘people-focused’ approach. The success of Allsop has built up thanks to more than 100 years’ experience in commercial and residential property consultancy, investment and management.

Read more about Allsop Letting and Management

Dandara Living

Dandara Living

Number of Developments

6
4.86 Rating (based on 1385 reviews)

In second place, Dandara Living is one of the UK’s leading designers, developers and operators of large scale 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.

Read more about Dandara Living

Way of Life

Way of Life

Number of Developments

8
4.62 Rating (based on 757 reviews)

In third, 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 secured their place in this ‘Top 6’. Way of Life sees your home “as an extension of yourself. Where you rest, play, work and create relationships. But also where you find a sense of belonging. Not just getting to know the places and faces on your doorstep, but becoming part of that community too.”

Read more about Way of Life

What is HomeViews?

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.


Join us at the 2024 Resident Choice Awards

HomeViews’ Resident Choice Awards are coming on 23rd February 2024. Take your seat among the UK’s most outstanding and innovative BTR developers to celebrate the very best Build to Rent operators, developments and teams, including new categories for Build to Sell and Shared Ownership brands.

As always, the awards will be based solely on the experiences of those who matter most: the residents. No entry forms, no judging panels and no sponsorship requirements – just verified resident reviews on HomeViews.

written by

Jan Moys

A residential property expert with over 15 years’ experience creating content... Read all

A residential property expert with ov... Read all