Introduction: The Role of Ringley Group in the Build to Rent (BTR) Sector

Ringley Group, founded in 1997, has grown into a multi-disciplinary property group with a diverse range of expertise spanning block management, investment, building engineering, planning, and law. With £6 billion in assets and over 13,000 homes under management, Ringley has solidified itself as a leader in residential real estate. The company’s expansion into the Build to Rent (BTR) sector is a natural evolution of its existing services, further demonstrating its capacity to provide end-to-end solutions for real estate investors and developers.

A New Approach: Ringley as a Strategic Operational Partner

Many still associate Ringley with traditional block and lettings management. However, the company’s scope goes far beyond this. Ringley now operates as a fully integrated, one-stop-shop partner for all sectors of living real estate, with BTR being a pivotal part. As Mary-Anne Bowring, Group Managing Director, shares, Ringley’s services span from investment strategy and site finding to asset management, block management, leasing, and stabilisation. Through over 25 years of expertise, Ringley fills crucial gaps in asset management teams, often offering early-stage support to clients like Moda Living, helping them navigate the complexities of the rapidly growing BTR market.

The Drive Into Build to Rent: What Prompted the Move?

Ringley’s move into BTR was primarily driven by its commitment to partnership and value creation. The company recognized the need for a vertically integrated approach to real estate investment and operational management, a strategy that many BTR investors were starting to pursue. With this in mind, Ringley works closely with clients to design, implement, and optimise investment strategies, asset management plans, and operational workflows. This approach ensures that Ringley helps its clients boost returns through improved construction costs, carbon reduction strategies, and the maximisation of rental premiums, all while providing seamless operational management.

The Role of Technology and Automation in BTR

Tech plays an essential role in Ringley’s BTR strategy. The company developed PlanetRent, an innovative rental platform that automates operational processes, providing clients with real-time insights into asset performance and customer data. This platform, integrated with robotic accounting systems, offers over 85 key performance indicators (KPIs), which have significantly improved operational efficiency. For instance, some clients have seen a 50% reduction in arrears, a £220,000 decrease in operational costs, and an 8% growth in gross to net, all within just a few months of using PlanetRent.

The Importance of ESG in Ringley’s BTR Approach

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have become increasingly important in the real estate sector, and Ringley is no exception. The company offers an ESG consultancy team embedded throughout the lifecycle of its projects, providing tailored strategies in design, operation, retrofit, accreditation, and decision-making. By aligning with key performance standards like BREEAM, WELL, WiredScore, and Fitwel, Ringley ensures its clients are meeting industry benchmarks. Importantly, Ringley’s extensive experience helps clients achieve these ESG goals without significant financial strain, providing invaluable guidance on how to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability while maintaining profitability.

Key Projects and Future Growth in the BTR Market