Urban Rest Unveils Urban+: A New Model to Support Build-to-Rent (BTR) Operators During Lease-Up

Urban Rest, a leader in flexible corporate accommodation, has announced the launch of Urban+, a groundbreaking model designed to support Build-to-Rent (BTR) operators as they lease up their developments.

Bridging the Gap Between Lease-Up and Long-Term Tenancy

The lease-up phase is a crucial period for BTR operators. It takes time to attract the right residents and cultivate the community envisioned for a development, but this must be balanced with the imperative to generate lease revenue. Urban+ by Urban Rest provides the perfect solution, enabling BTR operators to monetise their furnished apartments while they lease up, without compromising their long-term strategy.

With Urban+, BTR operators can make selected furnished apartments available to Urban Rest’s fully vetted corporate guests for mid to long-term stays. These are professionals who require turnkey, serviced apartments with 24/7 guest relations, flexible cancellation conditions, and invoicing solutions tailored to corporate needs.

A Fully Managed Solution with above market returns

Unlike traditional management agreements, Urban+ has been specifically designed for the BTR sector. Our technology ensures that when a booking is made, operators receive a fully signed lease from Urban Rest, aligning with their operational requirements.

• Define the commercial parameters – length of stay, guest profiles, and income targets are set by BTR operator.

• We deliver vetted corporate guests and manage all operations – from furnishing enhancements to full guest relations.

• Above-market results – Our proven model often delivers revenue that exceeds traditional leasing expectations, with Urban Rest only charging a commission on the booking amount and the Operator retaining the additional income above the market rate

• Seamless transition back to long-term rental – Once the building reaches its target lease-up percentage, apartments can be effortlessly returned in their original condition, ready for long-term tenants.

Expanding Across Key Markets

Urban Rest services a global network of corporate customers who are often relocating, working on long-term projects, or seeking high-quality serviced apartments as an alternative to traditional hotels. We see strong demand in our key locations and are eager to partner with BTR operators to help meet this growing need.

Urban Rest is actively seeking BTR partners in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, and is open to expressions of interest in Continental Europe.

Addressing Emerging Challenges in the UK Rental Market

The UK’s Renters’ Rights Bill which is currently progressing through Parliament, introduces significant reforms aimed at enhancing tenant protections. Notably, the bill proposes banning landlords from requiring advance rent payments exceeding one month’s rent, a practice commonly used by international corporate travellers or contractors who lack UK-based rental history. This change is set to make it more challenging for corporate travellers to secure longer-term accommodation, impacting lease-up the strategy for landlords.

Urban+ offers a timely solution to this emerging challenge, providing BTR operators with access to a pool of fully vetted corporate guests from around the globe. Urban+ assists to mitigate the impact of regulatory changes by delivering longer stays and fully signed leases, helping to improve occupancy and revenue and protecting lease-up for operators. 

David Whelan, Founder and CEO of Urban Rest, commented:

“The Build-to-Rent sector is evolving rapidly, and operators are looking for smarter ways to manage lease-up while maintaining the integrity of their long-term vision. Urban+ is a game-changer—it allows developers to generate lease revenue with fully vetted corporate guests while retaining control over their property strategy. We’re excited to partner with BTR operators to provide a seamless, flexible solution that adds real value and has no downside to the landlord by opening up an additional distribution channel to a previously difficult to reach market.”

For BTR developers and operators looking to maximise revenue while maintaining long-term vision, Urban+ offers a scalable, hassle-free solution.

Contact Rajdeep Gahir for more information: rajdeep.gahir@stayurbanrest.com, or visit www.stayurbanrest.com/property-partners

Urban Rest is a leading provider of high-quality, flexible accommodation solutions, specialising in extended corporate stays. With a commitment to sustainability, guest wellbeing, and operational excellence, Urban Rest partners with developers and property owners, to deliver best-in-class accommodation experiences to blue-chip corporate clients in key global markets.