Guest writer, Chloe Sachikonye, account executive for Yardi.
As a self-proclaimed “part-time Mancunian,” my recent venture into Manchester for the ARL Build to Rent Study Tour felt like a homecoming. Sponsored by Yardi, this year’s tour offered a deeper dive into the city’s vibrant BTR landscape. Navigating the city’s bustling streets and developments, it was clear that Manchester’s rental market is evolving quickly, making it an exhilarating place to explore.
ARL Study Tour Manchester – Day One
Our first stop was Kampus. An eclectic blend of history and modernity owned by Ares, HBD, and Capital & Centric, and managed by Native Residential. We were greeted by Northwest ARL Hub members, Dougie Orton-Wade and Peter Grimshaw, from Regal Blinds. Also, Bex Hetherington and her team led the tour. This Nordic-inspired development, completed in April 2021, boasts 534 units across five buildings, including a listed Victorian structure. The unique features of Kampus, like the concrete ceilings and Manchester’s first alcohol-free bar, set it apart as a trendsetter in the city’s BTR scene.
Next, we ventured to Poplin, a gem owned by Cheyne Capital and managed by Native Residential. Building manager, Yasmine A., provided insights into this 144-unit development, which achieved full occupancy in just nine months. Poplin’s name pays homage to its history as a cotton mill during WWII, blending Manchester’s industrial heritage perfectly with contemporary design. In addition, the building’s warm earthy tones and peachy palette, along with its stunning atrium space, made it an unforgettable stop on our tour.
Our third destination was New Vic, managed by Savills for Pension Insurance Corporation. Sam Winnard and Hanna Bowen Avery, along with their team, guided us through this impressive development featuring two towers with a total of 520 units. The attention to detail here was remarkable, from the aroma of freshly made roast to the strategically placed Pimm’s station. Furthermore, the sage green interiors evoked the luxury of a Hamptons retreat, creating a strong sense of identity and community.
We concluded the day at Anco & Co, owned by DTZ and managed by urbanbubble. Stuart Henshall gave us a glimpse into this six-year-old scheme in the popular Ancoats area, known as the cradle of the industrial revolution. Moreover, the loft-style interiors and incredible rooftop served as a perfect staging point for welcome drinks, offering a cool ambiance that perfectly wrapped up our first day.
Manchester BTR Insights
Throughout the day, industry experts like Ed Howe from Bidwells and Zora Vuvokik from HomeViews shared valuable insights into Manchester’s booming BTR market. For instance, with 13,000 operational units across 44 sites, the city boasts the largest BTR presence outside London. Also, Manchester ranks second only to London in the BTR sector, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic market.
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the property sector
As the sun set on Day One, we gathered at the Malmaison Hotel. Sponsored by Chapman Taylor, the evening focused on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the property sector. Furthermore, the event was graced by a stellar panel featuring influential voices and experts:
- Patrick from Chapman Taylor: Opened the discussion with insightful words on diversity in the BTR sector.
- Louise Bangee from urbanbubble: Spoke passionately about creating roles for women and building inclusive communities.
- Rachel Cunliffe from Women in Property: Highlighted the importance of identifying role models in the industry.
- Dr. Kat from Chapman Taylor: Provided a unique perspective on responding to diversity and inclusion through design.
The panel emphasised that EDI is not just about ticking boxes, it is about implementing actionable strategies for meaningful change. They discussed the importance of grassroots growth, inter-organisational collaboration, and innovative approaches to incorporating diversity and inclusion principles into design.
ARL Study Tour Manchester – Day Two
Day Two kicked off at Albion Place, a quaint, red-brick development by Sigma Capital Group, managed by Simple Life Homes. Luke Lightfoot and Vicky Fryer showcased their fabulously styled development, a tangible depiction of single-family homes and a charming village atmosphere.
Next, we visited Eda by Cole Waterhouse in Salford Quays, managed by Allsop Letting and Management. Selina Ong and Steve Harrold proudly showcased this 29-storey beauty with its playful warm tones and quirky art. Designed by Chapman Taylor, Eda’s terrazzo flooring and warm modernist style earned it several awards, making it a standout in the BTR landscape.
We then ventured to The Residences by Legal & General, which is managed by urbanbubble. Harriet Downey and Stuart Henshall guided us through this iconic development. The former ironworks now boasts four towers, with two dedicated to BTR and two for BTS. In addition, the site features luxurious finishes and neutral palettes, setting a new standard for high-class city living.
Our final stop on the ARL Study Tour was Colliers Yard, which is owned and managed by Cortland. Lauren Smith, Rafał Szlendak, and Rory O’Shea led us through this 559-unit development, which felt like a 5-star boutique hotel with its copper tones and modernist ’50s aesthetic.
Fun fact: part of the site once had a vegetarian vicar, and you could get buried nearby if you swore off meat!
Manchester – the blueprint for BTR Innovation
To conclude, it was evident that Manchester’s BTR scene is booming, with each site offering unique features and a clear brand identity. The sector is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of tenants, and it’s clear that Manchester is a blueprint for BTR innovation across the country.
A massive thank you to the ARL team, Emma Henderson, Brendan Geraghty, and Graham Sibley, for organising an insightful tour. Additionally, a special thanks to our sponsors, Yardi and Chapman Taylor. The tour was a fantastic event, showcasing the rapid growth and innovation in the BTR sector. Manchester is definitely the city to watch, setting a brilliant precedent for the rest of the country.
See how you can enhance your marketing, boost customer experience and transform BTR operations with Yardi’s Residential Suite.