Leading residential property consultancy Ringley Group has appointed a new managing director to its build-to-rent (BTR) division, as the company aims to keep growing its exposure to the rapidly-expanding sector.

Ian Barber has been working within the property industry for over 18 years across various disciplines and will help lead Life by Ringley, which advises investors and operators across the whole lifecycle of a BTR asset, from design and planning through to lease-up, operations and disposal.

Prior to his time at Landmark, Ian managed Hunters flagship Manchester office where he received two national awards for exceeding highest income and highest conveyancing instructions across the group. Also commissioned by developers on some of Manchester’s new building helping to establish schedules and viability

Based in Ringley Group’s Manchester office, Ian will focus on growing Life by Ringley’s client base while also supporting the mobilisation and operations of mandated BTR schemes across the North of England and the Midlands.

Life by Ringley has advised major BTR investors and operators such as Curlew, Patrizia and Moda Living, and is currently instructed on BTR developments in Manchester, Stockport, and Coventry.

Last year Ringley Group launched PlanetRent, an automated lettings platform designed to streamline reporting for BTR investors and operators with large, geographically dispersed portfolios.

Mary-Anne Bowring, group managing director at Ringley, comments: “While house prices have grabbed all the lines, Britain’s build-to-rent sector has gone from strength to strength, with an increasing number of operational schemes and more investors looking to deploy capital.

“Ian’s deep residential expertise and strong network will help support our growth particularly in the North of England and Midlands and I look forward to working alongside him to bolster our presence in the build-to-rent sector.”

Ian Barber, managing director at Ringley Group/Life By Ringley, comments: “Ringley Group boasts a deep knowledge of all things residential and the firm has a forward-thinking approach to technology and innovation that will chime with many in the build-to-rent space.

“Working out of the Group’s Manchester office, I aim to drive Ringley’s continued expansion in the regions while also supporting existing clients in the launch and operations of their schemes.”