What renters want in 2026 - Love to Rent examines the features defining modern rental living
- 18th Feb 26
New year, new expectations for renting in the UK with more people looking for long-term stability coupled with quality, security and lifestyle features. Love to Rent is a UK platform dedicated exclusively to professionally managed rental homes designed for long-term living. As such, the team behind the site understands what customers want from their Build to Rent homes and what developers are doing to deliver this.
Quality with Convenience
Customers are looking for more than just a place to live as a short term stopgap. Many will be looking at long-term plans, communities to bring up their children, homes that welcome pets and developments that support their lifestyles. In spite rising costs in labour and materials, there is plenty of new Build to Rent developments on the horizon, all positioned to appeal to the customer needs of 2026 and beyond
Industry insight: According to the recent Knight Frank report, some £1.7 billion was invested in the final three months of 2025 in Build to Rent, marking a strong end to a year giving consumers plenty of choice to find their ideal new rental home in the coming months.
Build to Rent versus renting from private landlords?
Build to Rent is a housing model that delivers professionally managed rental homes with long-term security, consistent service and community-driven living. As individuals become more aware of the choice of rental options, 2026 is likely to see more residents making like for like comparisons with the private rental market. In terms of choosing a rental model that is right for the individual, it is very much a personal choice but the security and stability Build to Rent offer is often a key factor for many residents seeking greater peace of mind and consistency in their living arrangements.
Industry insight: A report last year by the Quality of Life Foundation found that 89% BTR residents are satisfied with accommodation compared with the 82% national average in the PRS, while 82% feel living in a BTR community has a positive impact on health and wellbeing.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Rising energy costs and environmental awareness make eco-friendly features a top priority for consumers and Build to Rent developers. Some of the features likely to be found in 2026 includes:
- High EPC Ratings & Smart Tech: Homes featuring smart thermostats, LED lighting, and excellent insulation are to be found in most Build to Rent developments
- EV Charging Stations: Dedicated electric vehicle charging is becoming a standard expectation for modern renters.
- Renewable Energy Sources: Developers utilise solar panels or air source heat pumps to power communal areas.
- Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Secure, high-capacity bike storage (or "bike spas") to encourage green transport are to be found in many developments.
Industry insight: According to Handelsbanken’s Property Investor Report 2025, which surveys landlords and property investors across the UK, a huge 92% of investors find that tenants are willing to pay more for greener homes. More than half (57%) of tenants are now asking for electric vehicle charging points, while 47% of landlords say tenants are demanding higher EPC ratings of C or above.
Wellness and Convenience
Amenities that enhance daily life and mental health will continue to grow in popularity with Build to Rent ahead of the trend with an offering that suits every preference and budget.
- On-site Wellness Hubs: Many Build to Rent developments offer gyms, yoga studios and meditation spaces, helping residents save money on external gym memberships while providing convenient, easily accessible wellbeing facilities.
- Pet-Friendly Amenities: Beyond just allowing pets, popular features include dog washing stations, dog parks, and walking services.
- Parcel Management Systems: Secure, 24/7, or smart locker, parcel storage to manage increasing e-commerce deliveries.
- Outdoor Social Space: Rooftop gardens, BBQ areas, and community gardens that foster social interaction and provide much needed access to nature.
Industry insight: In the Quality of Life Foundation report, Build to Rent developments were credited by members of the local community with improving walkability and enhancing cycling infrastructure, as well as providing easier access to leisure amenities.
Amenity lite & Community focus
As the Build to Rent market matures, there is a shift toward "Amenity Lite," which focuses on essential, daily-use amenities rather than expensive, rarely used ones. As Build to Rent increasingly attracts a wider range of customers, this is set to continue into 2026 and beyond.
Industry insight: Anne-Marie Brown, Founder of Love to Rent, comments: “The narrative around Build to Rent is evolving. It’s no longer seen as a premium, one-size-fits-all offer. Today, Build to Rent caters to people of all ages and across a range of budgets, with a stronger focus on delivering the amenities and services residents genuinely use and value in their daily lives. ‘Amenity Lite’ reflects this shift, prioritising thoughtful, practical spaces that support community, wellbeing and long-term living rather than features that look impressive but see little use.”