In a groundbreaking move for the Australian property industry, ACT-based portal Allhomes has launched a Build-to-Rent (BTR) product solution that makes it easier for renters to find and apply for BTR homes alongside traditional rental apartments in Canberra.
Allhomes, owned by Domain, launched the new feature on August 1, 2024, serving the emerging BTR market in the capital.
The platform now includes a special search function for BTR properties, reflecting the growing interest in this housing model.
Kaaren Lewis, General Manager of Allhomes, highlighted the importance of this product 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.
“As the Canberra market was still in its infancy, we sought input from leading build-to-rent developers both locally and nationally to develop our solution, which was critical to the development of the product,” Lewis said.
“The initial feedback was consistently positive, as it was clear to industry representatives that Allhomes was far ahead of all other concepts they had seen.”
Although BTR projects still represent a small part of the Australian housing market, they are gaining importance in major cities.
Unlike traditional build-to-buy projects where units are sold to individual owners, BTR projects remain with a single owner or company and are leased to tenants, often with long-term stability and access to built-in amenities.
Daniel Potts, Development Manager at Amalgamated Property Group, was proud to be involved in Allhomes’ bespoke BTR listing solution.
Mr. Potts highlighted how the new platform has helped advance the Oaks Canopy BTR project by effectively communicating its unique features.
“Since we launched Oaks Canopy on Allhomes’ new portal, we have received very high-quality enquiries and have already built a solid waiting list for the new apartments, which will open in just a few weeks,” said Potts.
The new Allhomes BTR solution aims to simplify the search process for tenants while educating them about the benefits of BTR properties.
Lewis explained that the platform offers a hybrid listing model; BTR project profiles are displayed in a dedicated section of the rental navigation bar and clearly marked BTR listings are integrated with other rental properties.
Domain CEO Jason Pellegrino also expressed optimism about BTR’s future in Australia, particularly in Canberra.
Mr Pellegrino pointed out that while BTR is well established in the UK and the US, it is also currently expanding in Australia, particularly in Melbourne and Canberra.
“Domain’s vision is to inspire confidence in life’s property decisions and with this innovative BTR listing solution we’ve built through Allhomes, Domain’s leading brand in the ACT, we want to make it easier for renters to find homes that meet their needs – and deliver on our promise,” Pellegrino said.
