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UK: A report from the British Property Federation (BPF) and Savills has found that average planning consent timelines for build-to-rent properties has grown from eight to 15 months in the past six years.
The typical timeline is now 150 per cent longer than the statutory limit for major applications. BPF and Savills say that shift is reflected across the country, with applications taking up to 14 months.
This is in spite of a contracting construction figure, which has fallen for the ninth consecutive quarter nationwide, and is down 29 per cent in London. Developments in the detailed application stage are down 17 per cent.
“With the UK facing a housing shortage, build‑to‑rent is playing an increasingly important role in boosting overall supply, now accounting for close to one in 10 new homes delivered,” Savills residential research head Jacqui Daly said. “The sector has demonstrated its ability to adapt in the face of rising costs, tighter regulation and viability pressures, but continued delays across planning and the building safety regime are holding back delivery.”
Despite this, the BTR pipeline has shown slight growth. The number of BTRs in planning nationwide is up 2 per cent on the year, and London’s pipeline has grown from 36,559 in Q1 2025 to 41,968 in Q1 2026.
BPF director Danny Pinder blamed the slowdown on regulation, claiming Section 106 and CIL requirements are proving prohibitive and that tax reform was needed.
“The rental market continues to come under intense pressure, with supply constrained and development challenging – exacerbated by entirely avoidable impacts of the incoming Renters’ Rights Act and renewed discussion of rent controls,” Pinder said.
“The steady increase in the time it takes to determine applications reflects poorly on the planning system, with schemes on average taking 150% longer than the statutory requirement. Planning reforms to date have been helpful, but they are not sufficient to turn the tide on development.”
Highlights:
- Average planning consent timelines for London BTR schemes have nearly doubled from eight to fifteen months since 2019.
- Timelines are now 150 per cent longer than the statutory limit for major applications.
- Construction activity has fallen for the ninth consecutive quarter nationally, with London down 29 per cent.
- Despite delays, London’s BTR pipeline has grown from 36,559 to 41,968 units year-over-year.
- BTR now accounts for nearly one in ten new homes delivered in the UK.
- BPF director Danny Pinder blamed regulatory burdens including Section 106, CIL and the Renters’ Rights Act.
