Residential Letting and Management
Overview
The UK rental market continues to evolve, with Single Family Housing (SFH) activity increasing notably across the board. Institutions are ramping up partnerships with major housebuilders, accelerating delivery across the suburban Build to Rent (BTR) sector. At Allsop, we are seeing this shift first-hand through a growing pipeline of management instructions from a wide range of investors eager to scale their SFH portfolios.
Meanwhile, in the multi-family BTR space, innovation is the order of the day. Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, clients remain resilient and creative in structuring funding, resulting in a steady, if selective, deal flow. Encouragingly, appetite for well-located, professionally managed rental assets remains high, with forward-thinking investors seizing strategic opportunities in a tight market.
Single Family Housing (SFH): Scaling Up Fast
- Partnerships are expanding: Institutional investors are teaming up with national and regional housebuilders, aiming to secure consistent pipeline delivery into 2026 and beyond.
- Allsop’s role grows: We've recently taken on multiple new SFH schemes from long-term clients and new entrants alike, reflecting the increasing confidence in this sector.
- Operational strength: Our fully let schemes continue to demonstrate robust performance, maintaining occupancy levels in excess of 97%, with low churn and rising re-let rents.
Multi-Family BTR: Creative Deal-Making in a Shifting Market
- Funding flexibility: We are seeing clients adopt more agile funding structures—blending forward funding, debt restructuring, and JV models—to keep projects moving.
- New schemes on the horizon: Despite headwinds, a number of multi-family developments remain on track for launch in late 2025/early 2026, particularly in Leeds, Birmingham, and Manchester.
- Operational assets remain core: Investors are focusing attention on existing portfolios and stabilised stock, driving demand for best-in-class management to maximise returns.
Recent portfolio highlights
The Slate Yard, Manchester
Allsop has taken on management of this flagship scheme, with operations supported by our Asset Management and Mobilisation team based in our new Manchester office.
The Octagon, Birmingham
Leasing has commenced in earnest on this exceptional BTR asset, with early demand reflecting its prime location and premium offering.
Direction of Travel: Evolving Market, Expanding Opportunity
In the BTR sector, we are starting to see a growing number of first- and second-generation assets come to market. As an early adopter of Build to Rent, Allsop is now observing a steady stream of Gen 1 and Gen 2 Manchester-based schemes transacting, with pricing and repositioning strategies evolving accordingly.
At the same time, the next wave of co-living schemes is beginning to emerge—particularly in London, where investor appetite and tenant demand for flexible, community-led living remains strong. We are working closely with colleagues across Allsop’s valuation, development, and investment teams to provide joined-up, strategic advice to clients exploring these dynamic opportunities.
