New Year and Better Renting
- 27th Jan 26
How’s your January been? Many of us start the year with big intentions: eating healthier, moving more, prioritising self-care and focusing on mental wellbeing. But between work, commuting and everyday pressures, keeping up with these goals can be a challenge. That’s where good-quality rental homes, particularly Build to Rent properties, can make a real difference. They’re designed to support modern lifestyles, providing the space, comfort and community that help you thrive, even in the toughest month of the year.
Making life easier with onsite facilities
Can’t face leaving your home to trudge to the gym? You’re not alone, studies show that the best way to maintain healthy habits is by making them as easy and convenient as possible. That’s why having a gym, fitness studio or regular classes right within Build to Rent developments can make a real difference. When exercise and wellness activities are just a few steps from your front door, you’re far more likely to stick to your healthy resolutions and make them part of your everyday routine.
A quick look at the Love to Rent website shows that many Build to Rent homes across the UK include onsite gyms as part of their resident amenities, many with no extra cost beyond your rent. For example, PLATFORM_ Cardiff offers a fully equipped residents’ gym as part of the package, while The Highline in London features a gym on the penthouse floor with stunning city views, so you can fit in a workout without ever leaving your building.
Spot the gym icon for easy exercise
When you’re searching for a new place to rent on the Love to Rent platform, keep an eye out for the gym icon in the filters and listing features. It’s an easy way to spot homes that offer fitness facilities right where you live, so your wellbeing goals don’t depend on extra travel, costly memberships or squeezing workouts into an already busy day.
You might assume that on-site gyms and fitness facilities are only found in super-luxury developments, but that really isn’t the case. Many Build to Rent homes include shared fitness spaces as part of the community offering, and when access is often incorporated into your rent, there’s no need to budget for an additional gym membership. When you look at it that way, having a gym on your doorstep can be far more affordable and achievable than you might think.
Supporting mental wellbeing through community living
Mental wellbeing often takes a hit in winter, as shorter days, darker evenings and gloomy weather make it harder to stay connected and motivated. Build to Rent homes are designed with this in mind, offering shared spaces that encourage connection without pressure. Co-working lounges and dedicated work-from-home facilities mean you can change your environment, focus during the day and properly switch off in the evening, helping you separate work life from home life. Add in communal lounges, resident events and shared social spaces, and it becomes easier to meet neighbours, build routines, and feel part of a community. Humans need other humans and small interactions can make a huge difference to our mental wellbeing.
Financial Control January can also be a financially tough month. After the extra spending of December and with energy bills rising through winter, it’s easy to feel under pressure. One of the lesser-known benefits of Build to Rent homes is the built-in savings they can offer. Many developments are designed to be energy efficient, helping homes stay warm without the need to constantly turn up the heating, which can make a noticeable difference to monthly bills. Some also offer smart meters or digital platforms that help residents track their energy use and spending more easily, making budgeting simpler and more transparent. With rent often covering added extras such as amenities, maintenance, and shared spaces, your monthly outgoings can be easier to plan, helping you start the year feeling more in control of your finances.
How to find a new rental home
If the new year has you thinking about a fresh start, January and February can be a great time to find a new place to rent. A little planning can make the process feel far less overwhelming, especially during the winter months.
- Use filters to match your lifestyle. On the Love to Rent platform, you can filter by amenities such as gyms, social spaces, pet-friendly and resident events, helping you find homes that support your wellbeing.
- Think beyond the rent price. Look at what’s included. Build to Rent homes often bundle in amenities, maintenance and added services, which can offer better value than renting privately and paying for everything separately.
- Consider energy efficiency. Winter is the perfect time to ask about insulation, heating systems and energy performance. Efficient homes can help keep bills predictable during colder months.
- Prioritise community and flexibility. If you work from home or are new to an area, shared spaces and resident events can make a big difference to how quickly a place feels like home.
Start the search for your new home today!