The Mobilisation Journey

The Trials and Challenges of Mobilising a New Build to Rent Building

Mobilising a new build-to-rent building is a bit like launching a ship there’s a lot happening behind the scenes, and once you set sail, you hope everything holds together. From construction deadlines to residents expecting their new home to be perfect, it’s a process that requires patience, coordination, and a good sense of humor. Because, let’s face it, things rarely go exactly as planned.

Here’s a look at some of the key challenges of BTR mobilisation and how to navigate them while keeping your head and a smile intact.

Coordinating Multiple Stakeholders, or as I call it Orchestrating Controlled Chaos!

One of the first challenges is getting all the key players on the same page. Developers, contractors, investors, and property managers each have their own priorities, and keeping everyone aligned can feel a bit like herding cats. Oh, and let’s not forget the most important group, your residents, who understandably expect to move into a building that’s fully finished and flawless.

The reality? It’s a balancing act. Developers are wrapping up the final touches, contractors are finishing snagging, and investors are ready to see returns. Meanwhile, residents are eager to move in, expecting their new home to run as smoothly as a well-oiled machine.

The key here is communication, constant, clear, and, when necessary, diplomatic. When things go slightly off track and trust me they will, keeping everyone informed can prevent minor hiccups from escalating into full-blown crises. And if all else fails, a strategically placed coffee machine in the lobby can help buy some goodwill.

Meeting Deadlines, or shall we say when Deadlines Are More Like Suggestions

In a perfect world, construction would finish on time, everything would be set up, and residents would move in without a hitch. In reality, you’re often racing against the clock, only to find that the final coat of paint is still drying as the first residents arrive with moving trucks.

Managing these delays gracefully is an art form. It involves juggling resident expectations, maintaining investor confidence, and convincing yourself that "almost finished" is a real milestone. You’ll find yourself saying things like, “It’s all part of the new build charm!” with a reassuring smile, while secretly wondering when exactly that last delivery of flooring is going to show up.

A solid contingency plan and an even stronger coffee supply is key! this will help you navigate these moments with grace. And remember, residents value honesty and letting them know about any small delays upfront is better than letting them discover it when the gym equipment hasn’t arrived yet.

Expectation vs. Reality

New build. New home. Everything should be perfect, right? Well, not exactly. Residents are understandably excited to move into a sparkling new property, but the truth is, new builds often have some teething issues. A light fixture might need a tweak, or that brand new lift might insist on taking residents to every floor except the one they need.

This is where managing expectations becomes crucial. Residents don’t expect perfection (well, some do), but they do appreciate transparency. Letting them know that the building is still in its final stages of fine-tuning helps mitigate frustration. Pair that with a quick response to any issues, and you’ve turned a potential complaint into an opportunity to impress.

And if all else fails, a welcome basket of snacks can work wonders. Few people can stay upset while enjoying free chocolate!

When Your Smart Building Plays Hard to Get

Today’s BTR buildings are kitted out with the latest tech, keyless entry, automated systems, and apps to manage everything from maintenance requests to booking the communal BBQ area. Sounds great, right? That is, until the fancy new tech decides it’s going to be difficult.

Whether it’s the keyless entry system that momentarily locks out the residents or the building-wide Wi-Fi that’s still "thinking" about connecting, tech glitches are part and parcel of mobilisation. Ensuring that everything is tested and re-tested before move-in day is crucial. And when something inevitably goes wrong (because, well, it’s technology), having a tech team on standby is your best friend.

A good sense of humor helps here too. “Well, it’s not a true ‘smart building’ until it tries to outsmart us!” usually gets a chuckle. But make sure you’re quick to offer solutions or at least direct them to the nearest café with Wi-Fi.

Assembling the Dream Team

Your building’s first impression doesn’t just rely on shiny floors and working lifts, it’s the staff who make the magic happen. But finding, training, and onboarding the perfect team for a brand-new building takes time and effort. And sometimes, even the best training sessions can’t prepare your staff for the unique requests of your first residents.

Having a well-trained, friendly, and proactive team is key to a smooth mobilisation. They need to be ready to handle everything from maintenance queries to managing move-in day chaos with grace and patience. You want residents to feel like they’re moving into a high-end hotel, with staff that know the answers before the questions are even asked.

But don’t be surprised if someone hits the wrong button and sets off the fire alarm on day one. Just make sure you know where the ‘mute’ button is.

Health and Safety Compliance (Yes, It’s As Important As It Sounds)

Health and safety compliance may not be the most glamorous part of mobilisation, but it’s the most critical. Ensuring that every fire alarm, emergency light, and security protocol is in place before residents move in is non-negotiable. No one wants to get that 3 a.m. call about a system malfunction that sets off every alarm in the building.

A tip: triple-check everything. It’s better to deal with a few extra inspections before residents arrive than to face the consequences of missing something. Because while most residents will forgive a late parcel or a wobbly door handle, no one’s in the mood for unexpected fire drills.

The Slow and Steady Approach

While it would be ideal to have everything in perfect working order from day one, sometimes it’s better to phase mobilisation. Focusing on the essentials first, like getting residents settled in their flats and making sure the basic services are operational, this can take some of the pressure off.

It’s like opening a gift: start with the essentials, then let them discover the extra amenities, like the rooftop terrace, once they’re fully operational. And honestly, it’s better to have residents pleasantly surprised when new facilities open up than to disappoint them with something that’s not quite finished yet.

Communicate, Then Communicate Some More

Clear, consistent communication is your best ally during mobilisation. Residents appreciate being kept informed, whether it’s about a delay in the gym opening or a quick update on maintenance schedules. Regular communication helps prevent small issues from becoming big frustrations.

A well-crafted email (or push notification through your building’s app) can make all the difference. It’s much easier to manage expectations when residents know what’s going on, rather than finding out themselves when the amenity space they wanted to use isn’t quite finished yet.

And a little humor in your messaging can go a long way. “We know the rooftop garden is still in bloom, it’ll be ready for you soon!” helps keep things light while also setting realistic expectations.

What works best for me

Mobilising a new BTR building is a complex process, full of moving parts and unexpected challenges. But with careful planning, constant communication, and a team that’s ready to adapt to any curveball, it’s absolutely possible to deliver a successful, smooth transition.

And along the way, a bit of humor, and team work with a steady supply of coffee certainly doesn’t hurt.