Royal London Asset Management expands BTR portfolio

Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) has expanded its build-to-rent (BTR) portfolio by acquiring two major developments in Watford and Barking.

Abbey Quay - © Wetston Homes

These strategic acquisitions increase RLAM's total BTR holdings to 962 units, aligning with its goal to provide high-quality, affordable, and professionally managed rental housing in key UK markets.

Building on previous investments in Slough, Bracknell, and Town Quay Barking, RLAM has forward-funded 152 BTR units at Abbey Quay, Barking, in partnership with Weston Homes. Additionally, the company has acquired 225 units currently under construction on Sydney Road, Watford.

These acquisitions are part of RLAM's broader "Living strategy," which focuses on establishing a strong presence in Greater London and the South East, while also targeting key suburban and commuter towns across other UK regions. This strategy emphasizes operational excellence, long-term management, and customer-centric design in areas with limited housing supply.

The two new BTR schemes will offer high-quality homes with modern amenities. The 225-unit Sydney Road development in Watford, expected to be completed in Q3 2026, will feature a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, communal landscaped areas, car parking, and secure cycle storage.

At Abbey Quay in Barking, scheduled for completion in November 2028, 152 high-specification apartments and resident facilities will be part of a larger riverside masterplan. This plan aims to create a vibrant destination with retail, food and beverage, and leisure options for the local community.

Both new properties will be managed by ProperTies Living, RLAM's in-house residential management business.

Paul Ruston, Living Fund manager at Royal London Asset Management, said: “Our aim is to deliver well-managed, high‑quality homes that meet real local need while providing strong, long‑term returns for our investors. Taking on these schemes — which will be run by our in‑house team, ProperTies Living — is an important step in our commitment to creating homes in the places that need them most.”

Tim Holden, founder and director at ProperTies Living, said: “These sites in Watford and Barking reflect exactly the type of places we want to be operating as a long-term owner and manager. Across both locations, our focus will be on creating well-run, welcoming homes that residents genuinely value, combining high-quality design, thoughtful amenity provision and an operational model built on service, care and consistency.”

Bob Weston, chairman of Weston Homes, commented: “The deals we have agreed together reflect their continued confidence in our ability to create high-quality homes in prime locations. The urban village at Abbey Quay is coming to life, with a thriving new community already taking shape. This latest partnership will deliver much-needed Build to Rent homes for London.”