NHBC’s Build to Rent Innovators event

NHBC, the UK’s largest new homes warranty and insurance provider, recently hosted the third annual Build to Rent Innovators event in partnership with the British Property Federation (BPF). Held in central London, more than 90 developers, operators, contractors, investors and other industry stakeholders gathered to explore ‘Future gazing – rental living’ the evening’s theme.

Hosted by Niki Kyriacou, Sector Lead for Built to Rent at NHBC, and supported by Danny Pinder, Director of Policy at BPF, the event offered a varied agenda of topics and presentations. Talks about market updates, predictions for the sector and domestic and international case studies were shared by expert guest speakers, and the audience had the opportunity to pose questions in a lively Q&A session.

Speakers included John Vary, Futurologist and Innovation Strategist; Polly Simpson, Head of Multifamily Development at Savills; Damien Sharkey, Managing Director at Hub; Alasdair McInnes, Managing Director at Kennedy Wilson and Michela Hancock, CEO at Hilltop Property Partners. A broad range of industry stakeholders were in attendance including delegates representing Related Argent, Grainger, Aberdeen, Vistry, AXA Investment Managers, John Lewis Partnership and Long Harbour, among many others.

Niki Kyriacou, Sector Lead for Build to Rent at NHBC commented: “Our third annual BTR Innovators event proved a huge success, and I’d like to thank the British Property Federation for its support, as well as thanking all our esteemed speakers. The UK BTR sector is growing in both size and scope and continues to help meet renter demand across Britain with high quality homes. The private rental landscape is shifting and its clear opportunities for BTR developers and investors are increasing. We work in partnership with BTR developers and investors to help them build it right first time, reduce lifetime cost and protect yield.”

Danny Pinder, Director of Policy at the British Property Federation commented: “Against a backdrop of stark viability pressures facing the sector and ongoing Budget speculation, this event provided a welcome opportunity to focus on the value of the UK BTR sector and hear sector leaders share reflections on future opportunities. Growing demand for high-quality professionally managed homes, PRS landlord departures and the government’s commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes all underscore the increasingly important role BTR can play moving forward. A big thanks to the NHBC team, guest speakers and those that engaged in the Q&A for contributing to an interesting and enjoyable evening.”

Watch the highlights from the 2025 Build to Rent Innovators event, featuring some of the evening’s delegates about the future holds of Build to Rent.