In a pioneering move for the Australian real estate industry, ACT-based portal Allhomes has introduced a build-to-rent (BTR) product solution, making it easier for renters to find and apply for BTR homes alongside traditional rentals in Canberra.
Allhomes, owned by Domain, launched the new feature on 1 August 2024, catering to the emerging BTR market in the capital.
The platform now includes a dedicated search function for BTR properties, reflecting the growing interest in this housing model.
Kaaren Lewis, Allhomes’ General Manager, emphasised the significance of this launch as a testament to the Allhomes brand’s ability to deliver innovative solutions that adapt to the evolving housing landscape.
She noted that input from both local and national BTR developers was instrumental in shaping the product.
“Given the market was in its infancy in Canberra, we sought input from leading build-to-rent developers both locally and nationally to help craft our solution, which was critical in building out the product,” said Lewis.
“Initial feedback was overwhelmingly positive, since it was clear to industry stakeholders that Allhomes was far ahead of any other concepts they had seen.”
BTR developments, though still a small segment of Australia’s housing market, are gaining traction in major cities.
Unlike traditional build-to-buy projects, where units are sold to individual owners, BTR developments are retained by a single owner or entity and leased to tenants, often with long-term stability and access to integrated amenities.
Daniel Potts, Development Manager at Amalgamated Property Group, expressed pride in participating in Allhomes’ customized BTR listing solution.
Mr Potts highlighted how the new platform has helped promote their BTR project, Oaks Canopy, by effectively communicating its unique features.
“Since our release of Oaks Canopy on Allhomes’ new portal, we’ve received very high-quality enquiries and have already developed a solid waitlist for the new apartments, which open in just a few weeks’ time,” Potts said.
The new Allhomes BTR solution aims to simplify the search process for renters while educating them about the benefits of BTR properties.
Lewis explained that the platform offers a hybrid listing model; BTR project profiles are featured in a dedicated section of the rent navigation bar and clearly labelled BTR listings integrated with other rental properties.
Domain CEO Jason Pellegrino also shared his optimism about the future of BTR in Australia, particularly in Canberra.
Mr Pellegrino noted that while BTR is well-established in the UK and US, it is now expanding in Australia, especially in Melbourne and Canberra.
“Domain’s vision is to inspire confidence in life’s property decisions, and with this innovative BTR listing solution we have built through Allhomes, Domain’s leading brand in the ACT, we aim to make it easier for tenants to find homes to suit their needs – and deliver on our promise,” Pellegrino said.
