SDL Group is set to double its Build to Rent (B2R) business over the next 18 months thanks to a new deal with Sigma Capital Group plc, the residential and urban regeneration specialist.

Sigma’s new Simple Life brand, aims to bring 10,000 new purpose-built rental homes to the market. SDL Bigwood is appointed as the partner for all Lettings and Property Management of this portfolio.

With 50 units already let, SDL Bigwood will handle the letting of a further 295 units currently under construction and will start to be released for occupation in March, with another 1,900 homes in the pipeline.

Paul Staley, Director of PRS at SDL Group, says, “In 2016, we set out plans to secure 20 per cent of the UK’s new B2R specific stock by 2020, so this is a major step towards that, We have a long- standing relationship with Sigma Capital and are delighted to be working with the team on this new venture. With Simple Life now on board, we’re forecasting that SDL Bigwood is set to let over 100 B2R properties per month for the next year, with a run rate of more than 150 per month by 2018.”