In line with the Group’s plans to deliver over 4,000 new homes by 2025, Strawberry Star has appointed Clint Bartman as Managing Director of Asset Management – to establish its Build to Rent business vertical.
“We are planning significant expansion into Build to Rent with the aim to deliver high quality homes in up-and-coming, amenity-rich locations, backed by a fully managed solution. With Clint’s direction, we will build a scalable Build to Rent business model contributing to our growth.”
Santhosh Gowda, Chairman, Strawberry Star Group
Clint has 20+ years of residential real estate experience across the UK and North America. In the UK, Clint served as the Vice President of Fjeld Consulting – advising global real estate operators in the Build to Rent, PBSA and Private Rental sectors.
Prior to consulting, Clint was the Operations Director for Empiric Student Property Plc, a listed UK REIT. He created their operational platform and the market-leading customer brand Hello Student®. In the US, Clint was the Senior Director of Real Estate for Pi Kappa Alpha International, providing real estate advisory across the United States and Canada.
“The Build to Rent sector continues to grow and establish itself as a sub-asset class in the UK. We want to offer and manage the supply of safe, secure homes with enviable communities, appealing to this growing demand.
“Our focus will remain on providing exemplary end-to-end service. I am excited to be part of this journey and to be part of the Strawberry Star team.”
Clint Bartman, Managing Director of Asset Management, Strawberry Star Group
The number of homes in the UK Build to Rent sector is up 40% on last year, and with thousands of units in the pipeline, the sector is set to increase 20% year on year. There are currently significantly more units in planning than in construction or completed combined. And at full maturity, it’s estimated that Build to Rent could increase to as many as 1.7 million units, signifying considerable scope for future growth.
“As a leading end-to-end property services provider, foraying into Build to Rent is a strategic move considering the sector’s growth potential.
“Our decision is backed by growing interest among investors, including institutional investors and family offices, who are exploring niche new-build sectors within the UK property market, as stocks and shares have become much more volatile. We are well positioned to leverage investors’ interests as our sites are strategically located in key regeneration areas with high rental demand.”
Santhosh Gowda, Chairman, Strawberry Star Group
