The opportunity 22 Real Estate Investment 2022 The build-to-rent sector The rental market is currently undergoing huge change caused by a significant reduction in owner-occupied property. This is due to multiple factors including: increased housing prices affordability availability of mortgage finance shifts in buying behaviour. Cities are seeing interest from graduates and those new to the job market in the build-to-rent model which offers more flexible, long-term rental opportunities, built around facilities that appeal to their diverse work/life needs. Post-pandemic, this looks set to increase with multi-function homes incorporating onsite workspaces alongside gyms, leisure, and hospitality facilities. The property market boom has continued as we come out of the pandemic but the spectres of rising inflation, Chinese developer distress and the war in Ukraine may yet have a destabilising effect. With an ongoing shortage of quality housing BTR can offer much needed stability for investors within their real estate portfolio. The long-term nature of BTR tends to attract pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. Local authorities are also recognising the opportunities for their pension funds, with BTR delivering affordable rental homes for key workers. The BTR market originated in the US and its evolution there continues with the emergence of the rent-to-buy model which may be something developers wish to explore in the future.