In recent years, the UK rental market has seen the rapid rise of “Build to Rent” developments. These are large-scale apartment blocks designed specifically for renters, often with on-site gyms, concierge services and communal lounges. They are backed by institutional investors and marketed as the future of renting.
But while Build to Rent (BTR) dominates headlines, traditional Buy to Let (BTL) remains the proven path for most property investors. The reason is simple: buy-to-let offers greater flexibility, stronger yields in the right markets, and more control over your investment.
Build to Rent - attractive but limited
There is no doubt that BTR has grown quickly. According to the British Property Federation, there are now more than 270,000 BTR homes either completed or in the pipeline across the UK. Cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds have seen glossy towers spring up, catering to young professionals who want modern living with extras included.
However, most BTR schemes are designed for large funds, not individual investors. Minimum entry points are often in the millions, and the returns are tightly linked to the fortunes of a single block or developer. For smaller, private investors, access is limited and often indirect, via pooled funds.
Buy to Let: proven performance and flexibility
By contrast, Buy to Let remains open, flexible and adaptable. Investors can choose their own property, set their own rental strategy, and buy at a scale that suits their capital. Despite tax and regulatory changes in recent years, BTL continues to deliver attractive returns, especially in strong rental markets like Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield.
Rental demand is at record highs. According to Zoopla, UK rents rose 6.6% year-on-year in 2024, with demand continuing to outstrip supply. For investors, that translates to higher yields and less risk of void periods. In key Northern cities, yields of 6–8% are still achievable with the right property — far stronger than most institutional BTR products.
BTL also gives you capital growth potential. While BTR schemes may fix returns within a set range, an individually owned property can rise significantly in value over time. This combination of rental income and capital appreciation is why buy-to-let has built long-term wealth for private landlords across the UK.
Why we back Buy to Let
At Elavace, we specialise in sourcing high-performing buy-to-let opportunities in prime growth locations. From modern apartments in city centres to regeneration-led developments, our properties are tailored for investors who want simply want to secure rental demand and strong returns.
If this sounds like you, explore our latest opportunities here and see how you can make buy-to-let work for your portfolio.
