The UK BTR market has welcomed game-changing property management firm, ila, as it embarks on an ambitious journey set to deliver 4,000 much-needed homes across the UK over the next four years.

Headquartered in Oxford, ila is part of Ridgeback Group, an integrated BTR investor, developer and asset manager. ila bolsters the group’s portfolio with a dedicated BTR operator offering.

Steven McCarthy has been appointed as Managing Director of ila, bringing more than 10 years of experience working in the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector during his previous roles at CRM Students. He will head up the team of 21 people, with the headcount expected to more than double by the end of 2023.

The current pipeline of schemes currently under development include sites in Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Salford and Sheffield. 

Rather than pursuing a one-size fits all approach to development, ila will carefully consider each project in relation to the culture and heritage of its location, creating unique and meaningful neighbourhoods that enable residents to enjoy high-quality, city-centre living.

Hairpin House in Birmingham is the first neighbourhood to complete with 237 apartments and draws inspiration from the site’s historic home to Kirby Beard & Co, which famously invented the Kirbigrip hair pin.

The bespoke Kangaroo Works neighbourhood in Sheffield is due to complete in Summer 2023 with 365 apartments – named in homage to a historic tool factory once operational on the site.

ila is also on track to launch 336 apartments at Pall Mall Press, Liverpool later this year, which is steeped in Liverpool’s industrial history as home to high-profile printing factories, including Brown & Rawcliffe. Developments will all showcase a mix of studios, one, two and three-bed apartments, with neighbourhoods featuring an on-site team and maintenance support, amenity spaces, and communal landscaped gardens.

ila’s ethos is driven by its desire to ensure that the voice of residents and the local community underpins design, delivery and site operations. This will include a blend of community engagement activities in partnership with local businesses to ensure ila delivers meaningful experiences that enhances the quality of living for residents and the wider community.

Steven McCarthy, Managing Director at ila, commented: “The BTR market has undoubtedly soared over the last five years, but we are just getting started. An acute demand for high-quality and flexible rental options that respond to modern-day requirements is evident and ila will play a significant role in bridging this gap in major cities.

“ila presents a new way to rent and live. We treat every site individually and take time to understand the identity and culture of each city, so that we can deliver neighbourhoods that resonate with residents and create homes to be proud of.”

George Bossom, Partner at Ridgeback Group, commented: “Ridgeback’s growing portfolio of high-quality homes throughout the UK make the perfect platform for a best in class fully integrated property management firm and we believe the formation of ila will enable us to harness the full potential of our exceptional communities, giving our residents a truly different experience when it comes to renting.”