UK Build to Rent Investment Tops £900m in Q3 2026
UK build to rent investment exceeded £900 million in the third quarter of 2026, taking total investment for the first nine months of the year above £4 billion, according to Savills. The figure is higher than the investment recorded at the same point in any previous year.
The latest figures also put 2026 among the strongest years for the sector. The UK build to rent market has already reached the sixth highest annual investment level on record, with the final quarter still to come. Q4 has accounted for the largest share of annual build to rent investment in each of the past three years.
Single-family housing supports build to rent investment
Single-family housing has been a major part of the activity recorded this year. Border to Coast Pensions Partnership acquired 866 single-family homes from Leaf Living in a transaction valued at around £400 million. Savills advised on the deal, which was the largest single transaction in the UK single-family housing sector so far in 2026.
Development funding has also been directed towards suburban schemes outside London. Savills reported that almost £300 million was committed to single-family housing projects across five regions in England. In Manchester, Royal London agreed to forward fund 111 houses and 173 apartments in Newton Heath.
Rental growth strengthens across England
The investment figures come alongside stronger rental growth during the summer. Savills reported that rental growth in England's largest cities during the three months to August 2026 was above their historic averages, with Birmingham the main exception due to higher levels of rental supply. Overall, 72% of English local authorities recorded stronger-than-average rental growth during the period.
Guy Whittaker, head of build to rent research at Savills, said the rise in rents was likely to represent a one-off adjustment rather than a sudden increase in tenant demand. He linked the change partly to the Renters' Rights Act, which came into force in May and prevents landlords from accepting offers above the advertised rent.
Savills said the investment activity recorded during the first nine months provides evidence that 2026 could become a record year for the UK build to rent sector. The firm also highlighted the growing role of single-family housing and the expansion of investment across different UK markets.
