Q3 UK BTR investment surpasses £900 million as volumes reach record high
International real estate advisor Savills reports that more than £900 million was invested in the UK Build to Rent (BTR) sector in the third quarter of 2026, taking year-to-date investment to more than £4 billion – above the level recorded at the same point in any previous year. In each of the past three years, Q4 has accounted for the largest share of annual investment. With a full quarter still to come, 2026 already ranks as the sixth highest year on record, suggesting that the sector is well placed to achieve a new annual investment record. Operational assets continue to attract significant investor interest, highlighted by Border to Coast Pensions Partnership’s acquisition of a portfolio of 866 Single Family Housing (SFH) homes from Leaf Living, which was founded by Blackstone and Regis. With a combined value of c.£400 million, the Savills advised acquisition represented the largest single transaction in the UK SFH sector so far this year. According to the advisor, development funding activity was concentrated outside London, with almost £300 million committed to suburban SFH schemes across five regions in England, highlighting the sector’s growing geographic reach. Royal London also agreed to forward fund 111 houses and 173 apartments in Newton Heath, Manchester, although the funding environment for city centre development remains challenging. Savills research also shows that rental growth was exceptionally strong during the summer. The Renters’ Rights Act came into force in May and has led to an acceleration in rents across England. England’s largest cities recorded stronger rental growth in the three months to August 2026 than their respective historic averages. Birmingham was the exception, where high levels of rental supply limited landlords’ ability to raise rents. This pattern extended across much of the country, with 72% of English local authorities recording stronger-than-average rental growth during the summer. Guy Whittaker, Head of Build to Rent Research at Savills, comments: “The acceleration in rental growth seen over the summer is likely to reflect a one-off adjustment in rents, rather than a sudden increase in tenant demand. Under the new legislation, landlords can no longer accept offers above the advertised rent. As a result, many have taken the opportunity to rebase asking rents to ensure they reflect prevailing market values.” Piers de Winton, Head of National Residential Investment & Single Family at Savills, adds: “Investment during the first nine months of the year provides encouraging evidence that 2026 could be a record year for the UK Build to Rent sector. Single Family Housing has been a particularly strong driver of activity, with investors continuing to pursue opportunities, underpinned by long term demand for high quality family homes. The growing scale and geographic reach of transactions also demonstrates the increasing maturity of the SFH sector and its ability to support delivery across a broad range of UK markets. “Importantly, this capital is helping to increase the supply of professionally managed homes at a time when demand significantly outpaces availability. Continued investment in the sector will have a vital role to play in delivering the housing urgently required in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
108 suppliers named by Pagabo for new construction and development frameworks
TWO notices have been issued by leading digital procurement specialist Pagabo to announce contract award decisions for the National Framework for Major Works 2026 and the National Framework for Developer-Led Schemes 2026. The frameworks are both set to launch on 19 October following the conclusion of mandatory eight-working day standstill periods. The National Framework for Major Works is set to include recognisable names including Morgan Sindall, Wates and BAM. Meanwhile, the National Framework for Developer-Led Schemes contract awards include Avison Young, Savills, Morgan Sindall Consortium, Capital & Centric and Cityheart. Respectively, the Major Works and Developer-Led frameworks have estimated total values of up to £5bn and up to £26bn. Compliant with the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024, both new frameworks will run for a term of four years and have been brought to market following the formation of a 10-year strategic delivery partnership between YPO and Pagabo. YPO is the centralised procurement authority for the frameworks, while Pagabo is the framework manager responsible for design, delivery and ongoing management. This marks the third generation of the hugely successful major works framework managed by Pagabo, with previous iterations helping to deliver construction projects with a total value of more than £3bn. Created to connect public sector organisations with appointed contractors that will collaboratively deliver quality service and value for money outcomes, the framework agreement can be used by sectors such as local government, NHS and health service providers, blue light, housing and education. David Llewellyn, construction and infrastructure director at Pagabo, said: “Our major works framework has a successful and recognisable legacy. Like its previous iterations, we expect this instalment will quickly begin to support the public sector in transforming built environment investments into positive outcomes for people, places and the planet. “Through our role as framework manager, we will help clients procure confidently and compliantly, with efficiency and powerful insights offered by purpose-built digital systems. Meanwhile, as people have come to expect from our frameworks, the public sector will be only moments away from an impressive collection of leading contractors vying for new contracts.” Suppliers appointed to the second generation of the National Framework for Developer-Led Schemes will support the public sector with a range of services including consultancy, legal support and development types. For the first time, development consultants and legal providers have been included to offer clients a turnkey procurement solution that provides ongoing support, full compliance, reduced risk, cost savings, greater collaboration and broader project outcomes. Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “Our developer-led procurement solution is a unique market leading delivering vehicle capable of bringing client ambitions to fruition and changing the landscape of our built environment, which has also successfully driven forward the regeneration sector in recent years. “Delivering projects worth £10.7bn in gross development value and more than 36,000 new homes, while overcoming prominent challenges such as viability and risk, we’ve built on the first version of the framework and remain confident that those appointed to this next generation version will be well positioned to ensure continuous quality, value for money, collaboration and impactful social value. We’re now offering a full turnkey solution that the public sector has been crying out for.” Both new national frameworks cover areas including the North, Midlands, Southwest, and Southeast of England, London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Appointed suppliers will have access to Pagabo Group’s digital software offerings, including next generation social value platform ImpactOS and contract management platform Sypro, to support with enhancing the full lifecycle of procurement and project delivery. To learn more about Pagabo visit www.pagabo.co.uk and to access all procurement notices visit www.supplier.in-tend.co.uk/pagabo/home. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Official Launch of Built Influence Awards 2027; Celebrating those who celebrate others
the international Built Influence Awards programme for 2027 is officially launched and open for entries. Led by Senior Leader in the Built Environment sector, Gill Parker, the Built Influence Awards have been established with one clear purpose; to celebrate the people raising the standard of communications, championing the skill, judgement and creativity that elevates the companies they work with and for, as well as the entire Built Environment sector. The skill of communication has never been more challenging and complex, with more platforms, more noise and more ways to spend, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine impact. Whilst big budgets and impressive social numbers may catch the eye, but they do not always tell the full story with integrity. Great communications is about more than visibility, it is about relevance, influence and the value of expertly curated editorial in a crowded media landscape. The Built Influence Awards will shine a light on the true skill and talent in the built environment sector, across key sectors and disciplines. The carefully selected judging panel comprises key experts, including journalists and senior marketing professionals who are tasked with identifying the truly talented teams out there. Gill Parker, President of the Built Influence Awards and Chair of the judges comments: “I am incredibly excited to be launching this new and unique awards programme to recognise the talent within our sector. I began my career in marketing before moving into senior leadership within UK architecture and the wider built environment sector, as a result of which I have always advocated for marketing representation at the board level. Accurate and compelling storytelling is vital to driving business strategy, building trust, and unlocking an organization’s full potential. While our sector has not always been known for its marketing communications, we have witnessed monumental leaps forward in creativity and style. Marketing professionals are often the unsung heroes of our industry, and the Built Influence Awards provide a dedicated moment to recognise and celebrate this abundant excellence.” The experienced panel have a collective understanding on the different sectors and geographies, as well as being accomplished communicators, working for outstanding businesses. Closing date for entries is 20th November 2026, with judging taking place in January 2027. Winners will be announced in early March 2027. Please visit www.builtinfluenceawards.com and start planning your entry today. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ramboll announces senior Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals hires
Global engineering and sustainability consultancy appoints Richard Linacre and Ivana Poparic as Directors in its Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals teams Ramboll has today announced the hires of Richard Linacre as Director (Pharmaceuticals) and Ivana Poparic as Director (Business Development & Strategic Advisory). Richard and Ivana bring complementary expertise that further strengthens Ramboll’s presence across the UK Life Science and Pharmaceuticals market, following a number of recent wins for the business. With over 30 years of engineering experience, Richard brings a wealth of market insight and pharma-sector expertise, underpinned by a proven track record in building trusted client partnerships, leading complex programmes and shaping high-quality outcomes across pharmaceutical and life science environments. In his role Richard will be focusing on co-ordinating Ramboll’s multi-disciplinary capabilities on projects across Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals. This will include work both in the UK and internationally across the sector, delivering innovation with a focus on design excellence and sustainability. As Business Development & Strategic Advisory Director, Ivana will leverage Ramboll’s multidisciplinary expertise to support the delivery of complex projects and provide strategic counsel to clients across the life sciences sector. Having previously held positions at King’s College London, The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and MedCity, Ivana is a highly respected scientist and a well-known expert in life sciences infrastructure development and ecosystems. She will bring considerable strategic advisory experience and a strong track record to Ramboll, having built partnerships across industry, investors, government, academia and real estate to support Ramboll’s growth and innovation. Together these appointments further enhance Ramboll’s ability to create new opportunities for collaboration and growth, enhance the company’s offering, and reinforce its commitment to supporting its clients across the Life Science and Pharmaceutical sector. Commenting on the appointments, Jason Layfield, Executive Director – Buildings, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Richard and Ivana to Ramboll. Both arrive with a well-earned reputation for excellence in their fields and a proven track record of delivering commercial success. They will provide an important focal point and leadership for our pharmaceutical and life sciences teams in the UK. I am looking forward to working closely alongside them both.” Richard Linacre, Director – Pharmaceuticals added: “Ramboll’s track-record in delivering the highest quality of work speaks for itself and I’m excited to be joining a company that shares my commitment to providing across-the-board excellence to clients. I have been impressed by Ramboll’s expertise, collaborative approach and use of creativity to develop novel solutions, which provide real impact for projects of significant scale and the breadth in the sector. It’s a timely moment to be joining with both life sciences and the business experiencing growth and I’m glad to be here to help maximise the opportunity.” Ivana Poparic, Director Business Development & Strategic Advisory – said: “I am pleased to be joining Ramboll to help deliver further growth in life sciences and pharma in the UK. Ramboll already has a first-class reputation in this space, which is part of what made me so keen to take on this role. I have seen firsthand both the challenges and opportunities for life sciences development in the UK and Ramboll’s ability to exceed expectations to meet them through its holistic approach. I’m looking forward to delivering positive outcomes for our life sciences clients as their sustainable partner for change.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier Set for Return as £3bn Harlow Health Security Campus Moves Back Towards Construction
Kier is set to return to one of the UK’s most technically demanding health infrastructure programmes as the Government revives delivery of the UK Health Security Campus at Harlow following several years of reviews, delays and rising costs. A new Government business case proposes reinstating Kier’s pre-construction services agreement for the specialist H50 high-containment laboratory building, while a separate two-stage competition is expected to be launched for construction of the wider campus. The decision represents a significant step forward for the programme after the main construction supply chain was effectively suspended from 2022 as the Treasury and Department of Health and Social Care reassessed the project and its escalating cost. Ministers have now approved the programme business case, with the overall funding envelope standing at £3.52 billion. This includes VAT where applicable, inflation, risk allowances and relocation expenditure, with approximately £3 billion allocated to capital investment. Early works are scheduled to begin in 2028, ahead of main construction starting in the final quarter of 2029. At the heart of the development will be the H50 bioscience building, one of the most complex elements of the programme. It will contain Containment Level 3 and 4 laboratories designed to enable scientists to work safely with some of the world’s most dangerous pathogens. The building will also provide the UK’s first suited Containment Level 4 facilities for public health, allowing specialist scientists to operate in air-fed protective suits within a highly controlled laboratory environment. Retaining Kier for this element is intended to protect the programme against further delays. Officials concluded that replacing the contractor could require another 12 to 18-month procurement exercise, potentially jeopardising access to a highly specialised construction supply chain. Government assessments indicate that only three UK suppliers have the capability to deliver high-containment facilities at the scale required, demonstrating the specialist nature of the engineering, building services and construction expertise needed for the project. Alongside H50, a fresh two-stage tender is planned for the wider main campus construction package, with procurement expected to begin in November. This package will encompass Containment Level 2 and 3 laboratories, headquarters offices, logistics and security facilities, reception areas, education buildings and a new energy centre. The extensive infrastructure programme will also include utilities, roads, parking and external works. The successful main campus contractor will be required to coordinate closely with the separately delivered high-containment laboratory project. The existing main building is expected to be demolished to ground level, although officials are continuing to examine the most appropriate procurement and delivery strategy for the demolition works. Before the programme was paused, Kier had secured the specialist bioscience laboratory package, while Wates had been appointed to deliver arrivals, administration and logistics buildings together with refurbishment works. VolkerFitzpatrick had secured the infrastructure, external works and energy centre package. Previous contracts have subsequently either been terminated, expired or placed into suspension. Seven professional services packages are now also planned to support the renewed programme from 2027/28. Once completed, the Harlow campus will consolidate UK Health Security Agency scientific operations currently based at Porton Down and Colindale alongside its London headquarters. The programme aims to transfer as many as possible of the approximately 2,500 roles currently based across those locations. Validation and dual running of the new facilities are expected to begin in early 2034, reflecting the extensive testing and commissioning required for such technically sensitive laboratory environments. The campus is scheduled to become fully operational in September 2038. With the business case approved and construction procurement preparing to restart, the Harlow programme is moving back towards delivery as one of the largest and most technically complex public health construction projects planned in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ardstone Breaks into Global Top 50 as Irish Residential Platform Gains Institutional Scale
Ardstone has been ranked among the world’s top 50 core real estate investment managers, highlighting the growing scale of its institutional residential investment and property management platform in Ireland. The company has taken 49th position in the inaugural PERE Core 100, a global ranking measuring capital raised by private real estate managers for core and core-plus strategies. PERE recorded $1.186 billion of capital raised by Ardstone during the five-year assessment period, placing the Irish property investment manager alongside some of the largest institutional real estate businesses operating internationally. The recognition comes as institutional investment continues to play an important role in the development, ownership and long-term management of purpose-built rental housing. At the centre of Ardstone’s residential strategy is the Ardstone Residential Income Fund (ARIF), which currently owns and operates approximately 3,100 homes across the Greater Dublin Area. The fund is focused on the mid-market rental and social housing sectors, connecting long-term institutional capital with the delivery and operation of new homes. The Irish Strategic Investment Fund is among the investors supporting ARIF, having committed €75 million alongside international pension fund capital. Its investment strategy is intended to help unlock new rental housing through forward purchase and forward funding arrangements. For the wider residential property sector, Ardstone’s ranking illustrates how Build to Rent and professionally managed rental housing are increasingly becoming long-term institutional asset classes rather than simply development opportunities. That approach places considerable emphasis on what happens after construction is completed. Property and asset management, resident experience, building performance, energy efficiency, maintenance and the creation of sustainable communities all become integral to protecting the long-term performance of residential investments. ARIF has also placed sustainability within its investment strategy, with objectives including the creation of sustainable, low-carbon residential assets that are better positioned to respond to future climate risks. The fund is classified as an Article 9 fund under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. Ardstone said its position in the global ranking reflected the strength of its long-standing institutional investor relationships and the scale achieved through its specialist Irish residential platform. The wider PERE Core 100 also provides an indication of the scale of capital targeting lower-risk real estate strategies. The 100 managers included in the inaugural ranking collectively raised more than $223 billion for qualifying core and core-plus strategies during the five-year assessment period. For Ardstone, reaching the global top 50 provides further recognition of a residential platform that now spans thousands of homes and combines investment, development, ownership and long-term operation. As institutional capital continues to target professionally managed rental housing, the relationship between investment and the physical performance of residential buildings is likely to become increasingly important, placing property management, sustainability and long-term asset quality firmly at the heart of the sector’s future growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals