Get Living PLC Taps Kate Freer for CEO Transition: A Strategic Shift for UK Build-to-Rent

A Leadership Transition in the Build-to-Rent Sector

Get Living PLC, a prominent player in the UK’s institutional-grade build-to-rent (BTR) market, has formally announced the appointment of Kate Freer as its new Chief Executive Officer. The transition is set to take effect in Autumn 2026, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term leadership roadmap. This appointment comes as the UK real estate sector navigates a complex environment of shifting interest rates, housing policy uncertainty, and evolving urban living demands.

Freer’s arrival in 2026 follows the strategic announcement made by the firm’s leadership, signaling a deliberate and orderly succession plan. By providing a clear two-year runway, Get Living is signaling to investors and stakeholders a commitment to continuity and long-term stability—a critical factor for a firm managing large-scale residential portfolios that require consistent operational performance.

Market Context: The Institutionalization of UK Housing

The build-to-rent sector has become a focal point for institutional capital over the past decade. As traditional residential landlords face increased regulatory scrutiny and tax burdens, firms like Get Living have stepped in to professionalize the rental experience. For investors, the appeal lies in the counter-cyclical nature of rental demand and the potential for long-term, inflation-linked yield.

However, the sector is not without its headwinds. The UK housing market remains sensitive to the Bank of England’s interest rate policy, which influences the cost of debt for large-scale development projects. Furthermore, the political landscape in the UK—with ongoing debates regarding planning reform and leasehold legislation—means that the incoming CEO will need to balance aggressive growth strategies with a nuanced approach to government relations and regulatory compliance.

Why This Matters for Investors

For capital allocators tracking the UK property market, the appointment of a new CEO is more than a simple personnel change; it is a signal of the company’s future strategic direction. Get Living’s business model relies on the successful delivery and management of high-density residential assets in key urban centers. A change in leadership often precedes a shift in capital allocation, whether that involves a pivot toward more aggressive asset acquisition or a focus on optimizing existing portfolio yields through technology and operational efficiency.

Institutional investors will be closely monitoring how Freer navigates the transition period. The advance notice allows for a period of strategic alignment, ensuring that the company’s current growth targets—which are often tied to long-term debt covenants and equity partner expectations—remain on track through the 2026 handover.

Looking Ahead: The Path to 2026

As the industry looks toward Autumn 2026, the focus will remain on how Get Living integrates its new leadership into its existing operational framework. Traders and real estate analysts should watch for further updates regarding the firm’s development pipeline and any potential shifts in its funding structure. In a sector where project timelines span years, the stability provided by this pre-announced transition is a strategic asset.

Investors should keep a close eye on broader UK housing data and rental yield trends, as these macro factors will define the operational environment that Freer inherits upon her arrival. The success of this leadership transition will likely be measured by the firm's ability to maintain its market share in an increasingly competitive institutional rental landscape.