Homes England's National Housing Bank Makes Significant Cornerstone Equity Investment in Starlight UK Build-to-Rent Fund II

Homes England’s National Housing Bank has committed £100 million as a cornerstone investor in Starlight UK’s Build-to-Rent (BTR) Fund II, supporting the delivery of 6,000 new rental homes across England. The phased investment marks one of the first deployments by the National Housing Bank, a government-backed entity designed to accelerate housing projects and crowd in private capital. Starlight Investments, a global multi-family asset manager, will use the funds to expand its UK portfolio in regional cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and London’s commuter belt, where rental demand is high. With £1.1 billion in assets under management and 4,000 existing homes, Starlight aims to deliver high-quality rental communities near employment, education, and transit hubs. The investment follows the success of Fund I and reinforces Starlight’s strategy of long-term, professionally managed rental housing. The National Housing Bank, part of Homes England, was established to address England’s housing shortages by deploying flexible government-backed capital. Simon Century, the bank’s CEO, described the partnership as a sign that England’s housing market can attract institutional investment. The collaboration also supports broader economic growth through job creation and regeneration in undersupplied areas. Daniel Drimmer, Starlight’s CEO, emphasized the partnership’s role in delivering responsible, high-quality rental options. The fund’s diverse investor base, including global institutional partners, ensures the 6,000-home pipeline can move forward efficiently. This investment aligns with the UK government’s efforts to increase rental housing supply and support sustainable community development.