The United Kingdom’s build-to-rent (BTR) sector is poised to attract a record-breaking £6 billion ($8 billion) in investment in 2025, according to “Built to Last,” the new BTR market report by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH). This surge in activity comes despite ongoing economic and geopolitical headwinds, reflecting the sector’s growing resilience, diversification and appeal to institutional investors.
The number of operational BTR units has more than doubled in the past four years, surpassing 130,000 in first quarter 2025. The pipeline remains robust, with more than 56,500 units currently under construction and a further 126,000 in planning.
A key driver of this momentum is the continued expansion and diversification of the sector. The rise of single-family rental (SFR) and co-living schemes has broadened the appeal of BTR beyond its traditional base of young, urban renters. These emerging subsectors are helping the market mature and meet the evolving needs of r
