The social impact of build-to-rent developments: kicking off new research

The Quality of Life Foundation is proud to announce a collaboration with the British Property Federation (BPF) and the UK Apartment Association (UKAA) on a pioneering research endeavour. Together, we are embarking on a comprehensive investigation to evaluate the social impact of build-to-rent developments on residents and local communities.

We’re working with three build-to-rent providers – GetLiving, Greystar, Long Harbour and Way of Life – to carry out post-occupancy evaluations that explore residents’ lived experiences of their homes and neighbourhoods, as well as impact on local stakeholders and neighbours.  

Why this research matters

In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis and mounting concerns about affordability, there is an urgent need to scrutinise the social implications of housing developments. As an alternative to the ‘traditional’ model of house building, with a greater focus on long-term stewardship in place, and with huge potential to deliver much-needed homes across the UK, the build-to-rent sector has an important role to play in tackling the housing crisis.

By carrying out this research we hope to better understand that role, and will pay particular attention to the impacts the sector has on the quality of life of the people who live in and around build-to-rent developments.

Our research aims to:

  • build the evidence base around the social impact of living in and around build-to-rent developments on residents and local communities
  • assess the social value of build-to-rent by providing a baseline for social value through outcomes defined through the Quality of Life Framework
  • provide better understanding of residents’ lived experience
  • provide evidence to inform policy-making for local and national government, as well as insights useful to development, stewardship and sales.

Building an evidence base for positive change

Matthew Morgan, Director of the Quality of Life Foundation, said: “This research project represents a pivotal step in our ongoing commitment to enhancing quality of life across the housing spectrum. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders and engaging with residents about their lived experience, we hope to create a deeper understanding of the role different types of housing delivery can have in creating positive change. Exploring these questions with the build-to-rent sector will provide important insights from which we can all learn.”

Theo Plowman, Assistant Director at BPF said: “This project is timely. Now more than ever housing delivery is about more than bricks and mortar, we need to deliver projects that will deliver social value to local communities. 

“Many working on the delivery of build-to-rent developments understand and can see first-hand its value. But as an industry, we must capture this and ensure stakeholders both local and national realise the vital contribution the sector can make to help solve the housing crisis. We are delighted to be working collaboratively with key industry partners on this much-needed report.”

Ailish Christian West, COO at Get Living said: “Get Living has been investing in the UK’s Build to Rent sector for over a decade and with four new neighbourhoods opening in 2024, we feel it is imperative to support this industry research to deepen our understanding of social impact and opportunities for our residents and communities.

“We also hope the research will help a wider stakeholder audience to recognise the social value that build to rent developments can deliver across the UK and will provide baseline for measuring social value metrics.”

Philip Hirst, Director, Sustainability, at Greystar said: “Greystar’s ESG strategy is an integral element of being a trusted housing provider, a great employer, and a meaningful member of the communities across the world in which we operate.

“The Social aspect of our ESG framework aims to promote positive impacts for our team members, residents, and communities.

“We hope this research will provide a deeper understanding of the way our communities live so that we can optimise BTR living.”