Build to rent is getting a fresh look from developers, governments, and housing advocates as Australia’s housing shortage drags on with no quick fix in sight.
The model involves large investors or developers building residential apartment blocks and holding them as long-term rental stock rather than selling individual units off the plan. Backers say the approach keeps more rental homes in the market over time, easing pressure on tenants while giving developers a more predictable income stream.
For tradies, the potential upside is volume and continuity. Build-to-rent projects tend to be larger-scale and longer-running than a standard residential build, which can mean more consistent site hours and fewer gaps between contracts. Plumbers, electricians, and carpenters who work commercial-scale residential builds are the most likely to see direct benefit if the model takes off.
The model has grown quickly in the United Kingdom and parts of the United States, but uptake in Australia has been slower, partly due to tax treatment that has historically favoured owner-occupier development over institutional rental housing. There has been some recent movement at the federal level on tax concessions for build-to-rent projects, though the final policy settings are still being worked through.
How much work this translates to for the trades depends on how quickly projects get off the ground and whether state planning systems can process approvals at scale.
Frequently asked questions
What is build to rent?
Build to rent is a model where developers or large investors construct residential apartment blocks and retain them as long-term rental housing rather than selling individual units. The aim is to keep a steady supply of rental homes in the market.
Why has build to rent been slow to take off in Australia?
Australia’s tax settings have historically favoured owner-occupier development over institutional rental housing, making it less attractive for large investors to hold rental stock. The federal government has been working on tax concessions to address this.
What does build to rent mean for tradies?
Build-to-rent projects are typically larger-scale and longer-running than standard residential builds, which can provide more consistent site hours and fewer gaps between contracts for plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.
Are there any specific build-to-rent projects confirmed in Australia?
No specific projects or figures were available at the time of publication. The story is based on general industry reporting and public knowledge about the model’s development in Australia.
Sourced from BTR News Australia. Original article.
