We caught up with Chloe Sachikonye, Account Executive for Yardi, after she attended the ARL Study Tour in London, proudly sponsored by Yardi.
ARL Study Tour – Day One
Being my fourth study tour, I was ecstatic to be attending again. Day one was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a privilege to engage with both familiar and new faces in the build to rent (BTR) community. We kicked off with an introduction from Brendan Geraghty, CEO of the ARL and Sam Smith, Chair of the London and South East Hub for the ARL. Their opening remarks set a dynamic tone for the day, filled with learning and networking.
Ed Howe from Bidwells captivated us with his presentation on the London BTR market. Did you know that London houses 13% of the UK’s BTR market? It’s great to see leading players like Greystar, Quintain and Get Living driving this growth. The operational pipeline stands at an impressive 90%, showcasing the robust nature of this sector.
Emma James from HomeViews provided an engaging insight into resident feedback, revealing that they have received over 7,800 reviews. Top areas for reviews included Camden, Waltham Forest, Hillingdon, Tower Hamlets and Harrow. Interestingly, the 25-34 age group is the most active demographic, with high demand for amenities like parking, communal gardens, gyms and concierge services. It’s clear that young professionals and families are seeking more than just a place to live – they want a community.
We set off to Croydon, where our first site visit was to Ten Degrees by Greystar, guided by the knowledgeable Carmine D’Irzo. It’s a very personal and familiar site from my previous experiences. It was great to see the team and know the site is still thriving after three years. This site stands out with its light, airy design featuring contemporary brass finishes and pastel palettes. Fun fact: Ten Degrees is the tallest modular site in the world and is named after pioneering pilot Amy Johnson’s historic flight from Croydon. The site opened in 2021 and has quickly become a landmark with its 546 apartments, 95% lease rate and pet-friendly environment.
Next, we toured No. 26 by Native Residential with Hannah Jhurry. This site offers an artsy and homely vibe with bright colours and patterns. Originally an office block, No. 26 has been transformed into a vibrant community space with multifunctional rooms, roof terraces and a strong events program. It’s impressive to see how they’ve managed to create such a warm and inviting environment.
Kimberley Crichton guided us through The Fold by Legal and General, managed by urbanbubble. With its neon signs, contemporary blue-grey hues and lush greenery, this site feels incredibly modern and lively. It’s leased at 87%, a testament to its popularity. The Fold used to be Croydon council buildings, now repurposed into a thriving residential community.
Then, we headed to Battersea, where Christopher Lavery gave us a tour of Bloom Nine Elms by Greystar. This site exudes a high-end hotel vibe with wonderful palazzo flooring and warm tones. It was fascinating to learn that Bloom used to be a Royal Mail sorting factory. With both East and West phases offering a range of studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, and an incredible pool, Bloom is set to become a key player in the BTR market.
Our final visit of the day was to The Lark by Allsop, where Aynsley Robertson and Ophelia K showed us around. The Lark boasts soft interiors, modern contemporary design and a youthful energy. Originally built for sale, this building now offers 195 apartments and has quickly become a beloved community space.
The evening discussions were equally enlightening. I had the pleasure of delving into the history and evolution of BTR, highlighting the importance of scalable systems and operational efficiencies. David Fell from Hampton shared insights on rental growth, the impact of high interest rates and trends among landlords and tenants. The engaging fireside chat with David and Chris Smith from Dandara addressed the challenges in planning and the need for a streamlined system to support BTR growth.
ARL Study Tour – Day Two
On Day Two, our first stop was Newfoundland by Vertus, with Bradley Steward from Vertus guiding us. This site offers incredible city views, a contemporary fresh palette with a high-end feel and a remarkable 58 floors. Fun fact: due to the high ceilings, it’s popular with basketball players! Designed to be sold, Newfoundland boasts 636 units with a 92% occupancy rate, attracting young professionals and overseas students. It’s a standout property, owned by Brookfield, with unique features like guest suites for residents and convenient bin shoots.
We then visited Balfron Tower by Way of Life, guided by Cara Gallagher and James Basnett. This brutalist building is brought to life with colourful modernist furniture. A heritage building constructed in the ‘60s by Ernő Goldfinger, it’s the sister site to Trellick Tower. With 146 apartments, incredible amenities, and managed by Way of Life, Balfront Tower has become a vibrant part of the community, providing a unique proposition.
Our tour continued to Copper Makers by Greystar, led by Dheraen Quick. Located in the heart of the East End, this site features a gym, an incredible swimming pool and characterful interiors. With 1,225 units and 1,032 operational, Copper Makers is in its second year of lease-up with 70% leased. Every floor plan is named after a train type, celebrating the site’s creation around a copper locomotive theme. A nod to Karen Harrison, the first female train driver, adds a historical touch.
Riverstone Heights by Way of Life was our final visit, again guided by Cara Gallagher and James Basnett. First impressions are reminiscent of an uber cool private members lounge with a 1920s and modernist twist. The site comprises of 204 sites split over 27 floors. This site represents the industrial heritage of the River Lee, well incorporated into the building, not to mention the high ceilings and incredible living wall.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the ARL team, Amanda Keane, Brendan Geraghty, and the entire London and South East Hub members, Fiona McDonald, Lisa Parnell and Sam Smith. It was yet another enriching day filled with great company and incredible discussions. A big thanks to the people from this incredible sector that I got to spend time with.
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