Why resident wellbeing is setting new rental standards
- 30th Jun 26
For years, renters evaluated homes using a familiar checklist: location, transport connections, number of bedrooms, parking and perhaps access to amenities such as a gym or communal lounge. Not so long ago, people weren’t talking about what it meant to live optimally or how the places we live can shape our overall wellbeing.
Today, that mindset has shifted. Attitudes towards renting and the role our homes play in our lives have evolved significantly. Renting is no longer viewed simply as a stopgap between life stages; for many, it is a deliberate lifestyle choice. And when you choose the right home, it can offer far more than convenience and flexibility, it can actively support your health, wellbeing, productivity and sense of community.
How Build to Rent is raising the bar
The Build to Rent sector is leading the wellbeing evolution because it is constantly questioning, refining and adapting developments to meet the changing needs and expectations of today's renters. Across the country, developers and operators are investing in services and experiences designed to support residents' physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection. This could be anything from virtual GP access and mental health support to wellness programmes and fitness communities through to dog walking services, giving pet parents peace of mind.
This approach extends beyond services alone, with the sector also leading the way in terms of design. Homes are built with access to green space, air quality considerations, natural light and opportunities for social interaction, these are increasingly being incorporated into developments, reflecting a growing understanding of the relationship between our homes and our overall wellbeing. The question now is whether the wider private rental sector will eventually need to follow.
The rise of wellbeing as a rental priority
The attitude to renter health and wellbeing mirrors a broader cultural shift. From the explosion of wellbeing-focused podcasts and social media content to growing public interest in mental health, fitness and lifestyle optimisation, people are increasingly thinking about how every part of life can actively support their overall wellbeing, including where and how they live. A home is no longer just somewhere to sleep; it is a place to work, exercise, socialise and recharge. As a result, Build to Rent operators are recognising that resident wellbeing is becoming a key differentiator. While location and affordability remain essential, the ability to support healthier lifestyles is emerging as an important factor in attracting and retaining residents.
A new era of resident amenities
At Salford Quays' Eda development, wellness has been integrated into the resident experience from day one. The Fitness Hub is a state-of-the-art gym and wellness studio featuring high-tech functional training equipment, virtual workouts and spin facilities, but it provides more than just exercise equipment. Residents receive access to free fitness classes and wellness events as part of their rent, while local fitness partner Made For More works directly with residents to shape programmes based on their needs. From yoga and breathwork sessions to healthy meal preparation workshops, wellbeing has become a community-led experience rather than a simple amenity offering. Wellness in Build to Rent is not just about providing facilities but creating opportunities for engagement, motivation and social connection.
Healthcare support as standard?
Perhaps one of the most striking developments in the rental market is the emergence of health services traditionally associated with employee benefits packages. Housing Hand recently launched a complimentary health and wellbeing service for renters using its guarantor service. Through a partnership with HealthHero, tenants can access virtual GP appointments 365 days a year, alongside mental health support, counselling services, online cognitive behavioural therapy courses and health guidance covering everything from sleep and nutrition to exercise and stress management. As access to healthcare becomes increasingly important to consumers, it is not difficult to imagine future renters viewing services such as virtual GP access in the same way they currently view broadband connectivity or parcel storage.
Fitness communities not just fitness facilities
Fitness is no longer something we do in isolation. People are looking for community motivation and expert knowledge, which is why Build to Rent operators are investing in wellness partnerships and community-led programmes. Sigma Capital recently partnered with fitness platform FIIT and mental wellbeing provider MYNDUP to support residents across its Simple Life rental portfolio. The response was immediate. The 100 FIIT memberships made available to residents were fully allocated within two days, with applicants citing reasons ranging from postpartum recovery and bereavement support to balancing demanding careers and family life. Alongside fitness support, residents can access counselling, coaching and wellbeing resources through MYNDUP, reflecting a more holistic approach to health that combines physical and mental wellbeing.
Healthy buildings for healthy bodies
We now understand that a healthy body isn’t shaped only by what we eat or how much we exercise, it is also deeply influenced by our surroundings, and above all, by the home we live in. Ensuring that resident wellbeing extends into the design of buildings is Moda Living with its Glasgow neighbourhood, Moda Holland Park. It recently achieved a prestigious three-star Fitwel certification, making it one of Europe's healthiest residential developments. In practice this means the development has extensive green spaces, fitness facilities, community programming and excellent walkability. Residents also benefit from enhanced soundproofing, helping to create calmer living environments, while environmental sensors monitor air quality, humidity, temperature and light levels throughout homes and communal spaces.
Find your new home
Looking for a home that supports your health and wellbeing needs? Love to Rent makes this easier by clearly outlining the facilities and wellbeing features available at each development, helping renters compare options and choose a home that best supports their lifestyle needs. Here are some key features to look out for.
On-site fitness facilities and wellness amenities - Gyms, fitness studios, yoga spaces, or access to virtual training platforms. These amenities make it easier to maintain an active lifestyle without leaving the building.
Integrated resident wellbeing services - Anything from virtual GP services, mental health support, counselling, and wellness platforms.
Strong resident community and social connection - Regular resident events, group fitness classes, workshops, and shared spaces.
Healthy building design and indoor environment quality - Consider factors such as natural light, ventilation, air quality monitoring, acoustic insulation, and thoughtfully designed layouts that support both rest and productivity.
Access to green space and outdoor environments - Proximity to parks, landscaped gardens, rooftop terraces, and walkable neighbourhoods.
Convenience services that reduce daily stress - Parcel collection, on-site maintenance, pet services, and resident support teams help improve quality of life.
Start the search for your new home today.