More than 200 new rental homes coming to city following acquisition

Casa by Moda, the single-family homes arm of developer and operator Moda Living, has acquired a major site in Leeds, to deliver the brand’s first single family rental homes neighbourhood in the city.

The site, which has been acquired from housebuilder Artisan Real Estate, is between Kirkstall and Headingley and will be Casa’s first operational neighbourhood in Yorkshire.

It features 223 family homes for rent, ranging in size from one, two and three-bedroom modern apartments to two, three and four-bedroom houses.

The deal will see Casa take ownership of the 2.4-hectare development. The new neighbourhood, called Casa, Abbey Court, will offer residents deposit-free, pet friendly living.

Following the purchase, Casa will continue to work with Artisan to complete the delivery of the new homes.

With Casa, Abbey Court, the brand looks to continue to drive growth in the UK single family rental (SFR) market.

SFR sees developers own and operate neighbourhoods in suburban areas, as opposed to the traditional city centre locations which are associated with build to rent (BTR) development.

It has been highlighted as a solution to the UK’s housing crisis, by professionalising the private rented sector, which has long been controlled by individual private landlords.

Matt Townson, director of development and projects at Casa by Moda, said: “We’re entering an exciting phase with the delivery of our first neighbourhoods, and as a business headquartered in Yorkshire, Casa, Abbey Court is special for us, as it marks our first neighbourhood that will open in our home region.

“With demand for rental accommodation remaining high, our approach as a long-term owner and operator is to create not only high quality, sustainable homes, but new communities that go beyond bricks and mortar by actively supporting the wellbeing of our residents.

“Casa, Abbey Court marks a step change in single family rental in Leeds, not only in terms of quality but also being able to offer residents leases of up to three years, something unheard of in the traditional rental market.

“Looking ahead we have ambitious plans for the future and are looking forward to collaborating with sustainable housebuilders like Artisan, as well as local authorities and landowners to deliver more new homes across the UK.”

Artisan originally acquired the site in March 2021 and started development later that year.

James Bulmer, regional director for Leeds-based Artisan Real Estate North, said: “The collaboration with Casa by Moda provides a significant opportunity to deliver much needed new homes for rent in one of Leeds’ most desirable suburbs for young professionals and families alike, offering fantastic connectivity to the city centre.

“There is a growing demand for high-quality, family rental properties with easy access to city centres providing the perfect blend of town and country living, and Casa is a proven operational model designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s rental market.”