Build-to-rent: Simplicity Living's Shane Brealey on the tough sector

Simplicity Living managing director Shane Brealey says making a return in the build-to-rent sector is a careful balancing act. (Image: Simplicity Living)

Brent Melville

Fri, 22 Mar 2024

Shane Brealey, managing director of Simplicity Living, says the “dirty little secret” about build-to-rent as an asset class is that it doesn’t work.It’s a slightly tongue-in-cheek observation from the head of a firm with its sights set on building enough homes for 25,000 people in the coming years – all as build-to-rent (BTR) developments. However, Brealey said, it’s a tough sector to play in, particularly under the current economic regime. Recent government moves to loosen offshore investment rules...

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