Can renting give families the chance to put down real roots?
- 08th Sept 26
September has a way of changing the pace of family life. Lazy mornings give way to school runs, packed lunches and homework, while college, commuting and work bring their own routines back into the mix. Even after school, the house can be chaotic with activities, playdates and everyone needing their own space to unwind, work, study or simply switch off. When everyone is suddenly busy again, it can become very obvious whether your home really works for the whole family.
Should you stay or should you go?
September is often the perfect time to take stock and ask whether your current home is still working for your family. If you’re wondering whether it’s time for a move, start with a simple checklist:
Do you have enough space? Is everyone able to work, study, relax and have their own space?
Could you benefit from more outdoor space? Would a private garden or nearby green space make family life easier?
Is your home in the right location? Are schools, shops, transport links and activities easy to reach?
Does your home work around your routine? Think about school runs, commuting, parking and busy evenings.
Do you feel at home? Your home should be somewhere the whole family can feel comfortable, settled and happy.
If you’re ticking more “no” than “yes”, it might be time to start exploring what else is out there and Build to Rent is increasingly offering families a different option: purpose-built homes designed around the way people actually live.
Space to live, work and study
Family life rarely fits neatly into separate boxes. The kitchen becomes a place for homework, the dining table doubles as a workspace and bedrooms need to accommodate everything from revision to relaxation. But it’s not simply about how big a property is, it’s about how well that space is designed and how effectively it works for the people living in it. Because Build to Rent homes are purpose-designed with modern lifestyles in mind, every inch of space can be carefully considered and maximised. From flexible layouts and clever storage to dedicated areas for working, studying and relaxing, the design is created to work for the whole family, whatever the day brings.
What’s available
At The Pioneers in Houlton, Rugby, it’s not simply about having more bedrooms, it’s about how the space works for family life. With two- and three-bedroom homes across seven different house types and layouts, families can choose a design that suits the way they live. Private gardens, useful storage and dedicated parking add to the practicality, while smart-home technology and superfast broadband support modern working and family life. And beyond the front door, there’s a playground, cycle paths and local amenities nearby, making it a development designed with the whole family in mind.
Connection to nature
Family life can be busy, which makes having easy access to nature more important than ever. Time outdoors gives children space to play, explore and be active, while giving adults the chance to step away from screens, work and everyday pressures. Even small moments spent outdoors can help us slow down, switch off and reconnect. Being in nature can also help regulate the nervous system, helping both adults and children feel calmer and more grounded amid the busyness of family life. For families choosing a new home, being connected to nature can be just as valuable as having an extra bedroom.
What’s available
Stanton Cross in Wellingborough shows how nature and outdoor space can be woven into everyday family life. Alongside two-, three- and four-bedroom homes and apartments, the development has parks, play areas and green open spaces, with walking and cycling routes running through the wider neighbourhood. There are also sports facilities and plenty of opportunities for families to get outside and be active. With a new, popular school, parks and play areas on the doorstep, plus Wellingborough train station offering fast connections to London, Stanton Cross makes it easier for families to balance everyday life, outdoor time and commuting.
Location can make family life easier
September also brings the return of the school run, after-school activities, commuting and weekend plans. A home that is well connected to the things a family needs can help take some of the pressure out of everyday life. This is where Build to Rent can offer something different, homes are purpose-built for the way people want to live today, not designed around the needs of families 100 years ago. That means homes are carefully planned and built in locations that have been thoroughly researched to understand what modern families need, from access to good schools, green spaces and shops to convenient transport links and family-friendly amenities.
What’s available
Base at Newhall in Harlow is a good example of how location can be just as important as the home itself. The development offers two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, within a wider neighbourhood that combines green spaces, retail areas and New Ground Café, perfect for catching up with neighbours. With 25 primary schools rated Good within three miles, Old Harlow’s high street on the doorstep and London accessible in under an hour, it’s a location designed to make the practicalities of family life that little bit easier.
Being part of a community
For families, a home is about putting down roots, building friendships and having the stability to feel that you truly belong. Renters should have the same opportunity to enjoy that sense of community and security as homeowners. Having peace of mind that your landlord isn’t simply going to decide to sell the property can make it easier to settle into a neighbourhood and build a life there. Children can establish friendships at school, join local clubs and activities, become part of their community and grow up surrounded by familiar faces. And it’s about the little things too, including having a pet as part of the family. This is one of the advantages of Build to Rent: it can offer renters a greater sense of stability, community and belonging, helping families feel confident that their home is somewhere they can stay, grow and put down roots.
What’s available
Casa at Westmoor Grange in Armthorpe, Doncaster is a good example of Build to Rent putting community at the heart of family living. The development offers 100 new family homes, with two- to four-bedroom houses alongside community events, resident services, local partnerships and shared offerings designed to bring people together. With a focus on service, wellbeing, sustainability and technology, there is a range of community events, bookable services and resident offerings included as standard. And it’s pet friendly too.
Start the search for your new home today.