In a detailed analysis published on Generation Rent’s website, deputy chief executive Dan Wilson Craw raised concerns about the role of institutional landlords in London’s Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector.

“As long as home ownership is out of reach for a majority of London’s renters, much private sector investment in new homes will come from landlords,” he said. “It is important that these investors have the right motivations and are committed to providing long-term homes to their tenants.”

Wilson Craw argued that while BTR was promoted as a “professional alternative to buy-to-let,” troubling stories have emerged. Reports include tenants facing Section 21 eviction notices and above-inflation rent increases—practices which, he suggested, undermine the sector’s reputation as a secure and stable option for renters.

“Under the current London Plan, BTR projects are encouraged to offer longer tenancies and index-linked rents,” he noted. “It is important that the Greater London Authority has a clear sense of how common it is for these projects to make such commitments, how closely developers and operators stick to them, and whether oversight of Build to Rent should be strengthened.”

He further highlighted the affordability gap, acknowledging that newer BTR homes “typically fetch a higher rent,” often pricing out those in greatest housing need. While such schemes can attract wealthier tenants and ease pressure on local housing stock, he cautioned that without meaningful contributions to social housing, BTR developments will do little to reduce waiting lists or ease the burden on families in temporary accommodation.

Echoing Generation Rent’s long-standing stance, Wilson Craw reiterated the call for city-region mayors to be granted rent control powers—with London Mayor Sadiq Khan a prominent advocate.