Hot on the heels of being ranked the number one place to live and work, Warrington has now been rated as one of the top five hotspots for developers and investors to build-to-rent (BTR).

The town has been identified as one of five areas in the UK for BTR growth, according to research carried out by BTR provider Wise Living, following continued growth for the sector throughout 2020.

Build-to-rent is still a relatively new market in the UK, but it continues to boom as demand rises for quality rental homes. It refers to developments and homes that have been purpose-built by developers or property businesses for renting. Once built, these properties will then be managed by a landlord or a property management company who will oversee the communal areas and maintenance of the homes.

Wise Living’s research criteria focused on a number of key factors that indicate a city or town’s BTR potential. This included the rental market in each area, the rental availability per 100,000 of the population, government funding and BTR investments in the planning stages, under construction or complete. It also considered the quality of education by Ofsted rating and the density of each location’s population.

Warrington ranked fourth on the list after rating highly against Wise Living’s research criteria. The town already has BTR developments in planning and under construction. A 161 residential scheme which will see the redevelopment of two former school sites on behalf of the council is already under construction. Other BTR plans have been put forward in recent years including for a 362-bed scheme forming part of the £190m Stadium Quarter regeneration area.

The town also has 77 rental properties per 100,000 and 47 good and outstanding rated schools or places of education. Warrington received £22.1M from the government in 2020 as part of its Town Deals. The funds will be put towards helping to utilise vacant spaces and restore areas of the town – making it an attractive proposition for investors and developers looking at potential sites for BTR in the area.