Build to Rent (BTR) has been around as an asset class for over five years and has seen tremendous growth, evolving from a niche segment to a core component of the UK’s housing market. Initially driven by the need for better rental experiences in urban centres, the sector has matured into a diverse and resilient investment opportunity attracting institutional capital and sparking innovation across property development and management.
While the early wave of growth established BTR’s foundations, momentum is far from slowing, with new market entrants, and the demand for long-term rental housing continues to drive the sector forward. This article explores the current state of the BTR market, highlighting the trends shaping investment, the role of technology in enhancing operations and resident experience, and how companies like Glide are helping future proof the sector.
The UK’s BTR sector is growing at an unprecedented rate, driven by increased investment, technological advancements, and evolving tenant expectations. This growth is not limited to London; cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow are seeing significant development, reinforcing BTR’s role in providing high-quality, professionally managed rental homes across the country.
How Glide is supporting the BTR sector
As BTR continues to evolve, reliable connectivity has become a fundamental requirement rather than a luxury. Glide is at the forefront of delivering high-performance, future-proof broadband solutions designed specifically for BTR operators and residents. Providing service to over 40,000 BTR apartments, Glide is the leading operator in the BTR space.
Ultrafast, always-on internet ensures tenants can stream, work remotely, and integrate smart home technology without disruption. Our Smart Fibre Infrastructure (SFI) is designed to support the latest advancements in BTR technology, from energy management systems to remote security access. Instant activation upon move-in removes the hassle of setting up contracts, ensuring tenants can get online from day one. For developers and operators, our scalable solutions provide long-term reliability, ensuring that digital infrastructure keeps up with the pace of evolving tenant expectations.
Glide is proud to serve and support 90% of the UK's top BTR operators, helping to futureproof their developments and exceed the digital demands of modern renters.
Top 10 Build to Rent operators in the UK
(by number of operational units – 2025)
| Operator | No. of units | Glide customer |
| L&G | 9,800 | ✅ |
| Grainger | 9,100 | ✅ |
| Greystar | 8,200 | ✅ |
| Get Living | 7,400 | ✅ |
| Quintain Living | 6,500 | ✅ |
| L&Q | 6,100 | ✅ |
| Sigma Capital | 5,800 | |
| PLATFORM_ | 4,900 | ✅ |
| Moda Living | 4,500 | ✅ |
| UNCLE | 3,700 | ✅ |
Market growth and investment
Investment in the BTR sector reached a record £5.1 billion in 2024, accounting for 13% of all UK real estate investment. More than half of this funding was secured in the final quarter of the year, with North American investors playing a significant role in backing new developments.
The sector now includes around 123,500 completed BTR homes, with a further 49,000 under construction and an additional 109,800 in the pipeline. This continued expansion is key to meeting the UK’s growing housing demand, offering long-term rental options designed to deliver a better living experience.
As we look ahead, the sector is already preparing for 2050. Innovations in smart infrastructure, energy efficiency and sustainable living will continue to redefine the rental experience and the expectations of tomorrow’s renters.
Technology shaping the BTR experience
Technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of BTR, improving efficiency for operators, whilst enhancing the experience for residents. Smart home integration is becoming a key feature, with IoT-enabled devices such as smart thermostats, keyless entry, and automated lighting helping tenants manage their homes more efficiently whilst reducing their energy costs.
Property management systems are also evolving, allowing residents to make payments, request maintenance and access services through digital platforms, making day-to-day life more seamless. Virtual tours and augmented reality are streamlining the letting process, allowing prospective tenants to explore properties remotely, which reduces the time and effort involved in viewings. Meanwhile, community engagement platforms are helping to build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods by making it easier for residents to interact, take part in events, and communicate with management teams.
Moda Living has emerged as one of the most forward-thinking operators in this space. They have even considered the introduction of rooftop drone landing areas designed for Amazon deliveries, showcasing how logistics and residential living are converging through innovation.
Looking forward
As BTR becomes an even more integral part of the UK housing landscape, operators must plan today for the realities of 2050. Technological change, sustainability and connected living will define the homes of the future. At Glide, we are honoured to be trusted partners on that journey, supporting innovation, enhancing resident experiences and delivering the infrastructure that powers the next generation of rental living.
