UKAA delegation attends hugely successful UKAA Apartmentalize 2022

A delegation from the UKAA headed over to the US city of San Diego last week to get the scoop on how Build to Rent is evolving stateside. UKAA members headed to Apartmentalize 2022, the annual spectacular exhibition organised by the NAA (National Apartment Association of USA) which represents over 82,000 members with more than 10 million rental housing units globally, and of which the UKAA is a global alliance member, to see what lessons they could bring back home.

The visit provided the group with the opportunity to explore community styles and apartment designs from key players in the US market, including HG Fenton, Greystar and Fairfield Residential.

Hosted by Roomservice by CORT, the hugely successful study tour enabled the UKAA delegation to develop a range of understanding of properties in the San Diego area, including a solar-powered community offering net zero living, homes in the city’s newly developed Bay Park area, high-end homes for cosmopolitan living, a joint public/private partnership development and a single-family development.

Between the study tour and the Apartmentalize event, the UKAA team is now bursting with ideas to share with the Build to Rent sector in the UK.

“The study tour was great and a real eye opener. I don’t think the UK is behind the US in terms of the amenity facilities we saw – certainly the leisure elements are common across the UK – but it was the service that their residents receive that really stood out. It was also really interesting hearing from the building managers about their day-to-day priorities and how their teams are structured, along with how they manage the building by subcontracting almost all of the services out to specialists.”

Rob Clarke, Director, Motive8

Delegates found the networking opportunities offered by the study tour and the Apartmentalize event particularly useful, with a smaller group structure promoting the building of deeper connections. The style and the scope of the exhibition, which differed significantly from the UK approach to such events, also delivered a range of learning points that will filter through to future UKAA events and those of UKAA members.

“It’s been a privilege to attend the NAA Apartmentalize in San Diego on behalf of the UKAA. We’ve gathered great Build to Rent content ideas and exhibition learnings to bring back to the UK. It’s been a very worthwhile trip.”

Lesley Roberts, President, UKAA

Of course, a trip to California wouldn’t be complete without a spot of fun in the sunshine thrown in for good measure. From meeting ‘Maverick’ aboard the USS Midway to rooftop drinks in the sun, there was plenty to keep the team entertained in between property visits, networking and events.