Avalon Partners, a new UK specialist consultancy for the living sector, has launched to support developers, investors and operators across the full Build-to-Rent (BTR) lifecycle – from strategy and design-stage advisory for new schemes, to repositioning and upgrading existing assets to unlock value as part of revitalisation of cities and communities.
Build-to-Rent developments deliver greater security for households and investors than traditional buy to let properties. As renting becomes a long-term housing choice for more households, Avalon Partners believes the sector’s next phase will be defined by operationally intelligent design, stronger resident experience, brand loyalty, authentic neighbourhood creation, and investor-led upgrades that protect long-term performance.
Avalon Partners is led by Angela Higgins (Director, Asset Management), Amanda Rennie (Director, Operational Strategy) and Robin Matthews (Director, Investment Advisory). The partners are currently in discussions with operators and stakeholders on potential UK opportunities – spanning design-stage advisory for new BTR schemes and upgrade and repositioning programmes for existing assets, including the conversion of under-used buildings into professionally managed rental homes.
Angela Higgins is an expert in asset repositioning with experience across joint ventures and investment partnerships, including work with Moorfield Group and Federated Hermes, and the management of large-scale development with Orion Capital Management.
Angela Higgins, Asset Director, Avalon Partners, said: “BTR succeeds when it’s viewed long-term, not simply as bricks and mortar. Avalon works at two critical moments: helping clients get the strategy and design right at the start and helping owners unlock value in existing schemes through upgrades that improve day-to-day living and strengthen long-term asset performance. We believe smart thinking merges design with operational sense, because that’s what protects quality, reputation and income over time.”
Amanda Rennie brings extensive experience across operations and customer experience in living platforms and hospitality, including Moda Living and citizenM, scaling BTR portfolios, resident experience programmes and operating frameworks.
“BTR is designed for renters, but many schemes still under-deliver on the feeling of home”, said Amanda Rennie, Director of Operational Strategy, Avalon Partners. “Our ambition is to curate a high quality environment to existing and new developments ensuring established neighbourhoods are delivering an outstanding resident experience by applying a holistic approach based on our expertise. We bring a hospitality mindset that extends beyond service, creating places and experiences that feel authentic, human and connected to community. That can mean better onboarding, clear and consistent standards, meaningful resident programming, and partnerships with local arts and culture – all of which supports retention and long-term performance.”
Robin Matthews specialises in investment and commercial strategy across residential opportunities including assets — spanning multi-family, PRS and PBSA. He joined Coldunell Group in 2023 as Consultant CIO and board advisor and previously held senior roles including Investment Director at Great Portland Estates plc and Property Director at Moorfield Group.
Robin Matthews, Director of Investment Advisory, Avalon Partners, said: “The investment case for the living sector is clear: recurring income, inflation alignment and long-term growth when assets are operated effectively. Unlocking this potential, however, depends on getting the product right. Designing and optimising a successful scheme for investors and households is a complex puzzle that requires experience, precision and continuous refinement.”
Data analysis and intelligent use of AI underpin Avalon Partners’ drive for performance and will be integrated to support system management, standardisation and future audits.
Avalon Partners’ focus spans two core offers:
1) Strategy and design advisory for new BTR
Avalon supports clients early – from concept through design development – to shape schemes that are commercially robust, operationally workable and genuinely desirable to live in. Support includes resident proposition and amenity strategy, operational design input (back-of-house, servicing, staffing logic), customer journey mapping, ESG alignment with day-to-day delivery, and operator/investor readiness.
2) Value unlock and upgrades for existing BTR
In challenging markets, Avalon identifies practical routes to uplift performance through repositioning, refurbishment and amenity upgrades, service model optimisation, leasing and resident experience improvements, and community activation – focused on measurable outcomes such as retention, brand loyalty, leasing velocity, reputation, and income durability.
