Deposit alternative service flatfair has entered a partnership with Build To Rent operator Placefirst.

The detached or semi-detached homes in which Placefirst specialises, also known as single-family housing, is now a major part of the BTR sector: Savills says that in 2024, 51% of all BTR investment was into SFH.

Gary Wright, chief executive of flatfair, says: “As a supply and demand imbalance continues to increase rental prices, traditional deposits grow increasingly burdensome for tenants, our No Deposit solution not only significantly reduces upfront moving costs but also provides landlords with double the protection of traditional deposits, ensuring peace of mind for all parties.”

Mark Hawley, operations director at Placefirst, adds: “Our priority is making renting as simple and flexible as possible for our residents, and this partnership with flatfair helps us do just that. For some, finding the upfront cash for a deposit can be a challenge, and flatfair’s deposit-free alternative will make the moving process easier. It’s important that our customers have as much choice as possible.”

Flatfair says the new partnership underlines the significant shift within the property sector towards services that prioritise flexibility, affordability, and tenant satisfaction within the UK’s BTR market.