Apr

Build-to-rent giant in ‘secret talks’ with London mayor to offer NHS staff accommodation

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Deal between City Hall and Greystar would be a major step forward in securing apartments for front-line staff who need somewhere to self-isolate in between shifts.

One of the UK’s largest build-to-rent operators and corporate landlords, Greystar, has confirmed it is in secret talks with the Mayor of London to offer empty properties within its 1,800 strong London property portfolio to frontline staff tackling the Coronavirus crisis.

It has properties available to rent at 20 locations within London at mostly central developments including within Kings Cross, Highbury, Islington (pictured) and Aldgate, as well as suburban sites in Harrow and Twickenham.

Other sites include on the South Bank at Old Street, White City, Nine Elms and Fulham.

LandlordZONE understands that the spare capacity will be offered to NHS staff who are seeking alternative accommodation to avoid living with their own families or co-residents if they’re living in shared accommodation.

Greystar has suspended face-to-face viewings at its residential sites but is keeping concierges open to serve existing tenants and manage properties, but not allowing direct meetings with residents.

The company’s statement on this indicates that tenants are able to move in if they are happy to only see the property ‘virtually’ prior to moving in, an arrangement that would also enable NHS staff to use the properties without having to interact with Greystar staff directly.

Greystar has spent £5.5 billion on developing build-to-rent and has 37,000 student and general market properties built or under management, with a further 4,000 in the pipeline in London alone.

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