Savills says over £900m was invested in the UK Build to Rent (BTR) sector in the third quarter of 2026, taking year-to-date investment to more than £4 billion.
This is above the level recorded at the same point in any previous year.
In each of the past three years, Q4 has accounted for the largest share of annual investment.
With a full quarter still to come, 2026 already ranks as the sixth highest year on record, suggesting – according to Savills – that the sector is well placed to achieve a new annual investment record.
The agency’s research also shows that rental growth was exceptionally strong during the summer. The Renters’ Rights Act came into force in May and has led to an acceleration in rents across England.
England’s largest cities recorded stronger rental growth in the three months to August 2026 than their respective historic averages.
Birmingham was the exception, where high levels of rental supply limited landlords’ ability to raise rents.
This pattern extended across much of the country, with 72% of English local authorities recording stronger-than-average rental growth during the summer.
Guy Whittaker, Head of Build to Rent Research at Savills, comments: “The acceleration in rental growth seen over the summer is likely to reflect a one-off adjustment in rents, rather than a sudden increase in tenant demand. Under the new legislation, landlords can no longer accept offers above the advertised rent.
“As a result, many have taken the opportunity to rebase asking rents to ensure they reflect prevailing market values.”
