property
Doncaster Build-to-Rent Schemes Lock in Fixed Rents, Include Maintenance
Doncaster schemes at Lakeside and Hexthorpe deliver fixed rents plus maintenance cover that private landlords rarely match.
How we reported this
Doncaster’s newest build-to-rent blocks at Lakeside opened 180 units in April 2026 with two-bedroom flats starting at £925 a month, utilities bundled and no upfront deposit beyond one month’s rent.
The national squeeze on household budgets has pushed more Doncaster residents to weigh renting against buying at a time when average house prices in the borough sit at £178,000 while first-time buyer deposits still average £22,000. Build-to-rent operators absorb repair costs and offer month-to-month flexibility that standard buy-to-let tenancies do not.
Local schemes and tenant perks
The Waterfront block on the River Don near the Frenchgate Centre gives residents 24-hour concierge and a residents’ gym included in the rent. A second scheme of 120 flats on Balby Road, developed with Doncaster Council’s housing delivery team, opened in February and reserves 30 units for key workers at a 10% discount. Both sites guarantee rent reviews only once a year and cover boiler servicing and window cleaning without extra charges.
Tenants at the Balby Road site report average monthly outgoings of £1,050 for a two-bed including council tax and broadband, compared with £1,280 for an equivalent private let on the same street in the same month.
Cost comparison and next steps
Doncaster Property Partnership data released last month showed build-to-rent rents tracking 12% below equivalent private-market units across the town centre and Lakeside postcodes. Buyers face stamp duty of £3,560 on an average £178,000 purchase plus ongoing maintenance that the rental packages remove from the tenant ledger.
Households considering either route can view current availability through the council’s housing portal or contact local agents at the Frenchgate Centre office for viewings scheduled this month.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.