Weston Group Targets Build-to-Rent Market, Utilises £45m Robotised Site
Weston Group has introduced a new partnerships division to expand into the build-to-rent and other operational living sectors after securing £150m of partnership business.
The Essex-based housebuilder established the team to focus more on developer partnerships and joint ventures aimed at funds managing build-to-rent portfolios.
Weston’s factory in Braintree, Essex, is capable of producing 4,000 homes annually
The company also plans to collaborate with local authorities and businesses that require MMC building components, such as later living developers and student accommodation providers.
The division was formed after Weston Group secured £150m worth of work through similar partnership arrangements.
Weston Partnerships is anticipated to contribute around 25% of the group’s overall turnover over the next two years.
While the division is not a distinct incorporated business entity, it currently comprises existing Weston employees and may expand with additional recruitment if growth demands.
£45m robotised offsite factory to be utilised
A spokesperson stated that the partnerships division will “leverage” Weston’s expertise, utilising its £45m robotised offsite factory operated by subsidiary British Offsite, to deliver “high-quality, sustainable solutions at scale.”
The facility in Braintree has the capacity to produce 4,000 homes annually. The division is headed by Steve Hatton, development director at Weston Homes.
Peter Gore, chief executive of Weston Group, highlighted the advantages of their approach: “The Build-to-Rent, local authority, and some of the other deals we have already secured have the advantage of being forward-funded, providing an upfront income stream which is highly advantageous for our cash flow and financial strength.”
Weston Group reported a turnover of £286.8m for the financial year ending 31 July 2023.
Other BTR News
In other BTR-related news, Savills reported a record £5.1 billion investment in the UK Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector in 2024, a 6% increase from the previous record set in 2022.
This growth highlights the rising interest in BTR as a key component of UK real estate investment. It accounted for 13% of total investment in 2024, up from just 5% in 2021.
The report also notes a resurgence in cross-border investment, which rebounded to 56% in the latter half of 2024, with North American investors contributing over £1 billion in Q4 alone.
Single Family Housing (SFH) also broke records, with £2.5 billion invested in purpose-built homes for rent in suburban markets.
Savills predicts continued growth in the BTR sector for 2025, driven by easing debt costs and increased planning permissions, which rose by 28% year-on-year. London and Birmingham led the way in new consents, with Ealing and Croydon being standout areas in London.
