Hosted in partnership with the British Property Foundation, NHBC‘s first Build to Rent Innovators event was opened by the new housing secretary
Taking place in central London, the Build to Rent Innovators event was attended by over 100 developers, investors, operators, architects, and other industry stakeholders.
The evening’s theme was ‘Innovation in the Face of Regulation’ and keynote speaker Lee Rowley spoke about the importance of innovation in the housing sector and the challenges the industry faces.
Lee Rowley recognised the role BTR plays in creating UK housing
Speaking on Build to Rent (BTR), Rowley praised BTR’s creation of affordable housing in the face of the UK housing shortage.
He spoke on the government’s role in balancing regulation with the pro-growth, pro-development stance it takes to house building. He also impressed the importance of housing quality, as well as volume; he encouraged high quality residential development in all sectors and expressed his support for all delivery routes to high standard homes.
Other speakers at the Build to Rent Innovators event included:
- Polly Simpson, head of multifamily development at Savills
- Duncan Sutherland, public affairs director at Sigma Capital
- Olaide Oboh, executive director at Socius
- Jamie Smith, development director at Related Argent
A broad range of industry stakeholders were in attendance including delegates representing British Land, Citra Living, L&G, Lendlease, Long Harbour, Abrdn, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, and others.
Balancing high quality and high standards
Sector lead for built to rent at NHBC, Niki Kyriacou, commented: “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped make our inaugural Build to Rent Innovators event such a success. The profile of BTR in the UK property market is rising and the evening brought together leading stakeholders to hear the latest developments in the sector.
“BTR is facing challenges on many fronts, from the heightened regulatory environment to the increased cost of borrowing, but it continues to grow and thrive.
“The minister’s comments on the importance of quality chime with NHBC’s true north in building quality, safe homes, while providing long asset protection to developers and investors.”
Ian Fletcher, director of policy at the British Property Federation commented: “It was a pleasure to partner with NHBC for this unique event.
“The BTR sector is dedicated to building a better private rented sector and is conscious of wider placemaking and social value creation. It’s generating new opportunities for small businesses and harnessing new technologies to enhance its offer, but most importantly, it’s a sector very highly rated by its customers.”
