The first build-to-rent (BTR) offering, The Maple, has launched at Brent Cross Town – the £8bn, 180-acre park town being delivered by Related Argent in partnership with Barnet Council.
Comprising three buildings and over 500 apartments delivered over two phases, the launch reflects Related Argent’s vision to expand its footprint in the BTR sector and respond to growing demand, particularly in Barnet, where rental stock remains limited. According to Savills, there were 19% fewer properties listed for rent in May 2025 than the 2018-19 average in the borough.
Designed by Squire and Partners and delivered in partnership with Invesco Real Estate, the first phase of The Maple includes 249 high-specification apartments, whilst the second, launching in September, will offer a further 286 homes designed by architects Allies and Morrison.
Residents will benefit from 50 acres of rejuvenated parks and playing fields, a new high street and easy access to Brent Cross West station – which provides quick links to King’s Cross and St Pancras International in just 12 minutes with trains every 8 minutes in peak hours. The Maple will also offer a 25m swimming pool, spa facilities, sports simulator room, rooftop BBQ and a pet wash station.
Investment in the UK’s BTR sector remains buoyant, accounting for 13% of all real estate investment in the 12 months to Q1 2025. Related Argent’s ambition is to leverage this growing investor appetite to establish itself as one of the UK’s leading BTR developers and operators. The strategy includes expanding the BTR portfolio to over 3,000 units, with a personalised service and lifestyle amenities that set a new standard in rental living across a range of locations and price-points.
The new homes follow the success of Author King’s Cross – currently the highest rated BTR development in Greater London on customer review website HomeViews – as well as new homes in Tottenham Hale due to launch next year. Earlier this year, Related Argent appointed Lesley Roberts to lead the BTR operations, strengthening and elevating the offering further.
Tom Goodall, Chief Executive Director, Related Argent said, “The Maple marks a defining moment for Brent Cross Town and Related Argent’s build-to-rent strategy. These BTR homes provide residents with more choice in terms of housing and are integral to our vision of creating a diverse intergenerational community at Brent Cross Town.
“With over 500 new homes to be delivered over two phases, The Maple makes a significant contribution at a time when the UK is facing an ever-deepening housing shortfall. Housing starts in London fell by more than 25% in 2024 alone and Q1 2025 saw only 1,200 new housing starts. Developments like Brent Cross Town are vital to turning that around – delivering well-designed, well-connected homes for a broad mix of residents.”
Lesley Roberts, BTR Operations Director at Related Argent said: “The Maple is more than a collection of homes, it sets a new standard for rental living in London. Every element, from the thoughtfully designed apartments to the quality of amenities and service, has been shaped around the needs and expectations of our residents. Barnet is one of London’s most diverse boroughs and our goal is to reflect and support the community we serve.
“As Related Argent’s new BTR Operations Director, I’m proud to lead the team delivering this vision. The Maple is the first of many BTR developments at Brent Cross Town, and a clear statement of our ambition to create exceptional places to live.”
The launch of the Maple comes at a pivotal time for Brent Cross Town – the new neighbourhood will be home to over 3,000 people by the end of 2025.
Earlier this year residents moved into Conductor House – now managed by L&Q – and The Delamarre which offers homes for private sale. In autumn, university students will move into purpose-built accommodation by Fusion, while planning permission has now been granted for the first retirement living homes. Neighbourhood Square, the town’s vibrant central hub, is also set to be unveiled later this year with new retail offers and a central fountain.
