Royal London Asset Management has added two build‑to‑rent (BTR) developments in London to its UK housing portfolio.
The fund manager has invested an undisclosed amount to acquire 152 BTR units at the Abbey Quay development in Barking, in partnership with Weston Homes, alongside 225 units currently under construction on Sydney Road in Watford.
Royal London Asset Management’s residential business, ProperTies Living, will operate both newly acquired assets.
The transactions lift the firm’s total UK holdings to 962 units, building on its existing investments across Slough, Bracknell, and Town Quay in Barking.
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.
“Our sustained, hands-on management approach sits at the heart of our strategy, ensuring the homes we build today continue to deliver lasting value for both residents and investors.”
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 booth 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, said: “It is fantastic to continue our partnership with Royal London Asset Management, with this agreement marking an important milestone. 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.”
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