What Is Build to Rent? A Renter’s Guide to Living at Present Made

 

If you've rented in the UK before, you will probably recognise the pattern: a great flat on paper, a landlord you rarely hear from, and small issues that take far longer to fix than they should.

Present Made was created to offer a better, more reliable way of renting.

This guide explains what Build to Rent really means in practice and how it shows up day to day at Present Made Eddington. 

Build to Rent, done properly

Build to Rent simply means homes that are designed, owned and managed specifically for renters. The important part is how that idea is delivered.

At Present Made, renting is not treated as something temporary. The homes, shared spaces and services are designed for people who want to settle in, build routines and feel genuinely at home. That thinking influences everything from apartment layouts to how quickly problems are resolved.

One landlord, clear responsibility

One of the biggest differences renters notice is consistency.

Rather than multiple landlords and third-party agents, Present Made has a single professional owner and an on-site team. In practical terms, this means you know who to speak to, issues do not get passed around, and standards are the same across the building. Familiar faces on site also make a difference. The team know the building, and they know the people who live there.

Homes designed for everyday life

Because Present Made homes are not built to be sold, the focus shifts away from show-home tricks and towards liveability.

Apartments are planned around how people actually live day to day. Storage, light, noise and privacy are all considered, and finishes are chosen to stand up to daily use rather than just look good on day one. Many residents also value how well the homes work for hybrid and home working, without feeling like you are living in your office.

Maintenance without the usual stress

For many renters, maintenance is where Build to Rent really earns its keep.

At Present Made Eddington, repairs and maintenance are handled by a dedicated team with clear systems in place. Things still need fixing from time to time, but the process is straightforward and transparent. You are not left wondering who is responsible or chasing updates.

Shared spaces you can actually use

Shared spaces are part of the rent at Present Made, and they are designed to be genuinely useful rather than just decorative.

Residents have access to a private cinema, co-working spaces, a gym, resident lounges and even a pet spa. These spaces are there to make everyday life easier and more enjoyable, whether that means working somewhere other than your kitchen table, relaxing with neighbours, or watching a film without leaving the building.

Importantly, they are optional. You can be as social or as private as you like.

What else your rent covers

Renting at Present Made is more all-inclusive than traditional renting.

Alongside your apartment, rent includes access to all shared spaces, a programme of resident events, and some bills. Exactly what is included can vary by home, but the intention is to remove some of the usual admin and unpredictability that comes with renting privately.

For many residents, that clarity and simplicity are part of the appeal.

Living in Eddington, Cambridge

Location matters as much as the building itself.

Eddington is a modern neighbourhood with green space, cafés, shops and strong cycle links, alongside easy access into Cambridge. It offers a balance of calm residential living with excellent connections to work, study and the wider city, which is a big part of why renters choose to stay.

The bottom line

Build to Rent at Present Made is not about flashy extras. It is about making renting feel simpler, calmer and more dependable.

For renters in Cambridge who want a professionally managed home, access to well-designed shared spaces and a neighbourhood like Eddington on their doorstep, Present Made offers a way of renting that feels meaningfully different from the traditional model.