Spotlight: Glasgow's new Build to Rent flats, where and what are they

You may have seen the cranes in the Glasgow skyline, in the city centre, in the west end and on the riverside, as developments which be home to thousands of flats are taking shape.

In a new Spotlight series this week the Glasgow Times investigates the new developments, who is behind them what they could mean for renters and the city.

We already have social rented homes from housing associations and a growing private rented sector with thousands of landlords and rents reaching record levels.

With many, mostly younger people locked out of home ownership due to prohibitive costs and low wages and social housing allocated on a needs based approach many find themselves in private rented flats.

Adding to the traditional two tier model of social housing and private rented sector, there is a new type arriving in Glasgow, one that has been big in cities in the USA and in London and Manchester.

It is the Built to Rent development.

There are several under construction in the city, looking to attract young professionals wanting to rent but also will have larger flats for families who want to live in the city centre.

Some of the biggest construction projects in Glasgow at the moment are Build to Rent developments.

The homes are owned by the developers and are not to be sold on to individual landlords or agents.

Also, there will be no private ownership in the blocks either.

A one off monthly payment includes rent and other amenities, and often no deposit is required to rent.

Moda at Holland Park on the site of the old Strathclyde Police headquarters will be home to 433 apartments.

Work has started and the site is taking shape.

Platform is building 498 flats at Central Quay on the old Daily Record site close to the Kingston Bridge on the north bank of the River Clyde.

On the other side of the river, further east, at Buchanan Wharf one of the most high-profile developments in the city, Drum Property Group is building 324 apartments alongside the office blocks for Barclays which is hoped to revitalise the Tradeston area.

Get Living is planning to build a development of 720 apartments at a site to the east of High Street in the old goods yard area.

Build to Rent is the latest development and investment phenomenon in the UK.

In the last three months of last year £2bn was invested in the Build to Rent market in the UK with many previously involved in the purpose built student flats in recent years.

Moda already has operations in Manchester, Liverpool and one in Edinburgh is ready for the first tenants to move in next month.

In Manchester, a one bedroom furnished flat in Moda’s Angel Gardens development costs from £1150 to £1425 per month.

It includes a 24-hour concierge, broadband, gym cinema and games room.

In their Glasgow development there will be four buildings of between six and 22 storeys, with a residents ‘sky lounge’ looking out over the city. The buildings will be built around a courtyard.

Oscar Brooks, Moda Living Director, said: “Build-to-rent is a stress-free, lifestyle focused way of living, with beautiful homes designed specifically for renting paired with outstanding amenities for residents to enjoy a fully serviced lifestyle. There are numerous benefits to living in BTR over renting from a private landlord. There are no deposits or fees, bills are all included in your rent and the team is on site 24/7, so any maintenance issues are dealt with efficiently.”

“All of the spaces at Moda, Holland Park, from the landscaped public courtyard to the sky lounge with views across Glasgow, are designed for people to enjoy spending time in together, whether that’s grabbing a free coffee with a friend or attending one of the regular programme of resident events. Putting the power back in the residents’ hands, our leases are structured with a resident-first approach that gives them control overs lease lengths and terminations.”

Mr Brooks said the development is designed for anyone that wants to rent a home in Glasgow city centre stating: “there’s no right or wrong age.”

He added: “At Moda, Angel Gardens in Manchester we have three generations of one family living under one roof and over 15 nationalities – it’s a fascinating and positive way to encourage community and engagement.”

A spokesperson for Platform said: “For residents, Build to Rent simplifies the renting journey adding an extra piece of mind with the security of tenure, providing a home for as long as they want.

“BTR provides professionally managed buildings with on-site staff, modern apartments on flexible leases, on-site amenity spaces and a wide range of added benefits.

“Our Studio, One, Two- or Three-Bedroom apartments will be suitable for people at all stages of life, from young professionals, couples, young families or those more established in their careers. On our operational buildings, 55% of our residents are aged between 25 and 34 and 20% between 35 and 54.”

Tomorrow: The global investors behind Glasgow's Build to Rent developments.