The rise of amenity-rich buildings: The key role of amenities in Build to Rent

The Build to Rent (BTR) model, based on the development of amenity-rich buildings dedicated 100% to long-term rental, has established itself as a pillar of the real estate sector in markets such as the UK and is gaining momentum in Spain. Among the main housing trends for 2025, it stands out how amenity-rich buildings offer an enhanced residential experience that goes beyond simple physical space.

In a market where housing is increasingly about experience rather than just accommodation, BTR buildings compete by offering a service ecosystem that increases perceived value, improves quality of life, and boosts tenant retention.

Why are amenities key in BTR?

• Increase in rental value: According to Knight Frank (2024), BTR buildings with well-integrated amenities can achieve rents 10-15% higher compared to traditional assets.
• Tenant retention and reduced turnover: Residents value community and services; they stay longer (in the UK, the average tenancy length in BTR is 30 months versus 18 months in traditional rental).
• Operational optimisation: Many amenities generate additional income streams such as paid coworking spaces, bicycle parking, electric vehicle charging, events, vending machines, or cleaning services.
• Appeal to young and professional segments: Millennials and Gen Z prioritise quality of life, flexibility, and access to services over ownership.

Most in-demand amenities in BTR

• Communal and social spaces: multipurpose lounges, terraces, rooftop gardens, communal kitchens, and BBQ areas that encourage interaction and a sense of community.
• Wellness and fitness: gyms, yoga studios, swimming pools, wellness areas, meditation rooms, and in some premium projects, cold plunge pools or saunas.
• Coworking and technology: shared workspaces, video call booths, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, digital keys, apps for managing incidents and bookings.
• Mobility and sustainability: secure bike parking, electric vehicle charging stations, delivery zones for e-commerce, urban gardens, and BREEAM or LEED certifications.

Our service offering in BTR

At Smart Point, we help transform buildings into highly profitable assets with high tenant satisfaction through an integrated service system. We incorporate technological, operational, and management solutions that enable efficient activation and control of amenities: from app-bookable services and products to smart lockers, collection points, digital access systems, and analytics tools that monitor the usage of each service. Our approach combines technology, design, and management to make BTR amenities a real and sustainable competitive advantage.

Services are not an extra—they are the essence of Build to Rent. They transform buildings into communities, strengthen tenant loyalty, and turn assets into more profitable and resilient investments. In Spain and the UK, the future of BTR lies in creating spaces that combine services, technology, and community in a single value proposition.