Consumer reliance on reviews has been growing for some time. The core BTR age demographic is particularly influenced by review content, as well as customers of premium products.

Choosing a new home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions we make. Reviews play a vital role in helping people make informed, confident choices.

Renters show the same dependence on reviews to research and choose their next home, reducing risk in such a significant commitment and even being confident enough to rent without arranging a viewing.

• 89% of renters said they used review sites to narrow down their search and make a final selection (2017, J. Turner Research)
• Reviews are the third most important consideration for renters when considering a new build development (2018, Prsim Tenant Survey)
• 60% of prospective tenants are renting sight-unseen post-pandemic. They are viewing less and researching more (2022, Realync research)

Reviews crucial to built for renters (BFR) residents

Rightmove worked with an independent agency, User Testing, to identify residents living in Built for Renters (BfR) developments and asked them about the factors that influenced their search and decision to rent.

93% of BfR residents said they had looked for reviews when choosing a building to live in.

74% of BfR residents said that reviews influenced their choice of apartment. This was more than friends’ and family’s opinions (49%) or marketing materials (35%).

63% of BfR residents had heard of HomeViews.

Feedback and improvement

How do you know what you need to improve on without asking your residents? Hearing directly from your residents will tell you all about your strong points and what can be improved.

Taking this feedback onboard, and implementing actions based on suggested improvements, is a great way to elevate residents’ experience of living at your development.

Help with Lease-Up

To win the individual category awards, at least 50% of your reviews for that category need to be 5 stars. For example, if 20 out of 40 reviewers score 5 stars for Design in 2025, you will win the 2025 Design Award of Excellence.

Be Recognised

HomeViews gives you and your residents the opportunity for a development or building management to be recognised. Whether it’s our Excellence badges, relevant Area Guide rankings or the HomeViews Resident Choice Awards, collecting reviews on HomeViews is the best way to be recognised as a strong contender in the BTR industry.