What is BTR?

Build to Rent (BTR) developments are residential properties purposefully designed to be retained as long-term rental investments. Instead of selling individual units to private owners, these developments are held by a single entity or investment group and rented out to tenants under consistent management.

Some BTR developments include on-site teams and shared amenities, but that’s not always the case in New Zealand. While international examples often showcase gyms, lounges, or co-working spaces, many local BTR projects focus simply on providing well-built, efficiently managed homes. The key is that the entire development is held for rental, not resale.

At Crockers, we manage a growing number of BTR properties on behalf of New Zealand-based and overseas investors. We are one of New Zealand's largest BTR property management companies, supporting both established developments and new projects coming to market.

BTR in New Zealand

BTR is a relatively new but expanding part of the residential market in New Zealand. It is increasingly seen as a practical response to rental housing shortages, especially in larger urban areas like Auckland.

A development is typically considered Build to Rent if it has 20 or more residential units that are intended to be held for long-term rental. Some BTR owners choose to register with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to access certain exemptions or recognition, but registration is optional. Many developments operate successfully as BTR without being officially registered.

Whether registered or not, Crockers works with owners to ensure developments meet high tenancy and management standards while delivering reliable returns.
Tenancy Features in BTR Properties

Registered BTR developments must meet specific tenancy requirements. These include:

Offering fixed-term leases of up to 10 years, with tenants allowed to give 56 days' notice after the first 12 months

Considering tenant requests for pets, with any refusal needing a valid reason

Meeting expectations of professional property management

Even in unregistered BTRs, these standards are often adopted to enhance tenant retention and ensure properties are well-maintained. Crockers supports owners in creating smooth operational frameworks that reflect the long-term nature of BTR.
What BTR Means for Tenants

For tenants, BTR offers a more stable and consistent rental experience. Properties are managed with a long-term view, lease terms are often more flexible, and there is generally more clarity around how the tenancy is handled.

Not every BTR development comes with shared spaces or high-end features, but all are designed to be well managed, maintained, and supported by clear communication and responsive service. Crockers ensures tenants renting in BTR properties receive support and transparency throughout their tenancy.

Why Developers and Investors Choose BTR

Build to Rent developments give landlords and developers the ability to generate long-term rental income without the volatility of selling units individually. With the right management in place, vacancy levels are lower, service levels are higher, and tenants stay longer.

Crockers works with both local developers and international investors seeking a trusted partner to manage their BTR assets in New Zealand. Whether the development is already operating or still in the planning stage, our team can assist with setup, compliance, and ongoing management to ensure the investment performs over time.