Stakeholder perspectives on build-to-rent housing development in Australia: an industry-based qualitative analysis of challenges and opportunities

The build-to-rent (BTR) housing model is experiencing growth in Australia. This research aims to identify the key themes that emerged from BTR practices and develop a roadmap for achieving success in Australian BTR developments. Nineteen semi-structured interviews with industry professionals from key BTR stakeholders were conducted to capture experts’ insights and perspectives on BTR developments. The findings reveal the drivers and challenges of BTR development in Australia, such as high rental demand, investment opportunities, planning approval, taxation, and local government concerns. The study also highlights the tenant-focused management and design strategies to meet developers’ expectations. The interviews provide valuable insights into the Australian BTR landscape and its potential as a viable rental housing approach. The locality and reduced number of participants (19) are limitations and may not necessarily reflect the overall view. The study is focused on the Australian BTR characteristics and compares them to a successful BTR framework, offering practical recommendations to various stakeholders for enhancing BTR projects in Australia. It concludes that government and industry should focus on creating or reforming policies and improving sustainability, efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction in the sector. This research underscores the importance of the BTR model in addressing rental housing challenges and improving living standards.