The emergence of a Build to Rent model: The role of narratives and discourses

This paper analyses 'Build to Rent' (BTR), a new form of tenure in London's housing market. We examine the ways in which private and public sector actors have shaped the context of BTR's emergence, and developed a model for delivery in London. We argue they relied on and constructed narratives of negativity about the private rental sector, which were juxtaposed with their product to position BTR as a solution to part of London's housing crisis. Building on this, and leveraging an emerging but supportive institutional context, real estate professionals have adapted a US model to the UK. We argue that both the narrative-generating activities and the model development reveal tensions, which help theorise the ways new models of financing housing emerge.

Automated summary

This paper examines the emergence of 'Build to Rent' (BTR) as a new form of tenure in London's housing market, discussing how private and public sector actors have shaped its context and adapted a US model to the UK. It shows the tensions in narrative-building activities and model development, shedding light on the emergence of new housing financing models.