60 Seconds with Claire Malkinson
For our first ‘60-seconds with’ instalment of 2026, we caught up with Claire Malkinson, Head of Build to Rent and Area Director at Rendall & Rittner.
What does your role involve?
My role is really one of two halves. As Head of Build to Rent, I focus on overseeing our BTR portfolio, while my role as an Area Director means that I also support a variety of leasehold properties. In both cases, I spend a lot of time interacting with clients and customers to ensure we are establishing well managed, compliant buildings that are as cost-effective as possible to run. I also deliver new business proposals, particularly for prospective Build to Rent clients, that show how we can tailor our services to meet the needs of individual projects.
How does the management of Build to Rent properties vary from other residential properties?
We have established a specific offering for Build to Rent properties that recognises the importance of the long-term performance of these investments. We work closely with the clients to ensure that our management offering enhances their brand and delivers the standards that their residents expect. Many Build to Rent developments are committed to innovation and delivering a cutting-edge, proactive philosophy. This approach is easily aligned with Rendall & Rittner’s forward-focused business strategies.
What do you like most about your job?
Property management is certainly very varied – I think everyone would say the same thing. I enjoy being able to get involved in so many different aspects of the industry, whether that’s technical discussions about building facades or plant machinery, legal considerations or conversations about health and safety. Equally, as legislation changes, we have to adapt to ensure compliance and understanding, which also keeps things diverse and interesting.
What challenges do you face in your role?
One of the biggest challenges facing Build to Rent developments is the need for effective cost control. Operational spend needs to be carefully balanced against rental incomes, whilst ensuring investors still receive a solid margin of profitability. In recent years, costs have risen across the sector due to pressures from factors such as the Building Safety Act and rising utility and insurance prices, applying inflationary pressures to the costs of delivering well managed buildings against rents that are not rising at the same level. My job is to provide solutions for how to continue delivering an exceptional service whilst keeping budgetary spending at the forefront.
Who inspires you?
When I was younger, I was always very inspired by Ellen MacArthur, who broke the world record in 2005 for being the fastest solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe. Today, I’m still inspired by other women, particularly those who have balanced family life with having successful careers. I’m lucky that I am surrounded by many examples of this both at work and in my personal life.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of how I’ve juggled family life with work. It has been tough at times with occasions when it has felt like I am failing at both, however I now have two teenagers with one heading to university in September and a successful career, and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, and the stresses and strains have been worth it.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In my free-time, I enjoy being active, whether it’s riding horses, walking, open water swimming or skiing. I’ve also got a particularly good group of friends who are always an absolute pleasure to spend time with when we have the opportunity.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Other than our annual ski trip, I’m most looking forward to growing our Build to Rent portfolio. We are looking to continue enhancing our offering to provide BTR clients with a high-quality, fully comprehensive solution tailored specifically to the unique challenges facing the sector.
