The fledgling Association for Rental Living – a collection of operators and suppliers in the Build To Rent sector – has revealed that 400 delegates attended its first conference. 

A statement says: “Diverse discussions encompassed three keynote speeches and six in-depth breakout sessions. Simon Century, Managing Director, Housing, Private Markets at Legal & General, kicked off the day by looking at elevating rental living. UCL Professor of Real Estate Yolanda Barnes delivered the day’s second keynote presentation, examining residential rented investment criteria in the current environment. The third keynote saw Rightmove’s Tim Bannister and HomeViews’ Hannah Marsh looking at the full BTR consumer journey, from research to residence.”

Interspersing the keynote speeches were breakout sessions covering data engines, learnings from the US hospitality sector, the evolution of operational management, the cost of housing delivery and employee wellbeing. 

Winners of the ARL People Awards 2024 were revealed as Lesley Roberts of Monogram Living, Chloe Factor of LGIM, and Ben Hall of LOFT.

An association spokesperson says: “We are delighted to have upheld the ARL Annual Build to Rent Conference’s reputation as the leading event for the Build To Rent sector. Delegates from across the rental living sector gained enormous value from their attendance. My thanks go to all our expert speakers, panellists and comperes, whose knowledge and skill contributed to such a packed and inspirational agenda. I would also like to offer congratulations on behalf of the ARL to the three worthy ARL award winners recognised at the event. With such an array of committed talent, the BTR sector is well placed to continue its elevation and evolution into 2025 and beyond.”