London Commuter Belt is targeted by new Build To Rent developer

A new player in the Build To Rent sector says it’s targeting locations in the London commuter belt with chronic supply issues - as well as providing big-scale investors with “a resilient asset class poised for growth”.

Star Living is the new BTR arm of developer Strawberry Star Group and its first project is at Harlow in Essex - a block of 163 flats. A second phase nearby will shortly launched with 564 flats. 

“Our vision for Strawberry Star’s Star Living arm is to be the leading income generating, diversified and scalable Build To Rent investment platform through our unique, cost-efficient, build and operational expertise” says the chairman of Strawberry Star, Santhosh Gowda.

“We aim to be one of the largest BTR providers in the commuter belt by 2027. Star Living brings together our existing skillsets as an end-to-end provider combined with a panel of leading contractors and consultants for significant placemaking schemes that benefit each local community.”

He claims his new BTR arm has a strong pipeline of sites due to launch in the next 12 months, focussing on commuter growth towns with a high proportion of young professionals and a low supply of rental properties.

He adds: “More choice and better supply will be a huge advantage to those now spending increasing time at home with flexible working here to stay, as BTR products are in a much better position to meet future needs and live-work trends.”

For tenants, the first Star Living site in Harlow will provide what the company calls “a single customer journey from reservations to end of tenancy, including digital concierge, maintenance, parcel storage, flexible co-working and multi-purpose room, shared roof terrace, ancillary services such as laundry, dry cleaning, and housekeeping, with pets allowed and flexible contracts on offer.”