Former John Lewis rental chief launches property consultancy

Former John Lewis rental chief launches property consultancy

Katherine Russell, ex-head of John Lewis Partnership’s Build To Rent operation, has started a new consultancy firm, Lived., targeting residential investment strategy and portfolio performance enhancement.

Katherine Russell, previously responsible for the John Lewis Partnership’s (JLP) Build To Rent (BTR) portfolio, has launched a property consultancy named Lived. The firm begins with a major institutional investor as its first client, though details of the client remain undisclosed. Russell’s experience includes overseeing a portfolio nearing 1,000 homes across key UK cities such as Leeds, Leicester, Birmingham, and Stratford.

Russell’s departure from JLP’s BTR project followed the Partnership’s withdrawal from the sector earlier this year. The decision was attributed to an altered financial climate characterised by higher interest rates, inflationary pressures, and a cautious property market, which rendered the original investment model unviable for the Partnership. Russell now aims to leverage her expertise to assist investors and operators in navigating the complexities of the current rental market.

Consultancy focus on operational performance and investment strategy

Russell’s Lived. consultancy promises to bridge the gap between investment ambition and operational delivery. She emphasises the need for clear oversight of operational performance to unlock value in residential portfolios. The consultancy will also advise other clients including private family offices and asset managers, alongside Russell’s ongoing board role at Dolphin Living.

The challenges facing the rental sector, such as selective capital availability and stretched viability, form a backdrop to her consultancy’s mission. Russell highlights the importance of scale and investment for operational businesses to succeed in the current environment. Her approach combines spotting market opportunities, strategic planning, stakeholder alignment, and sustained delivery to build stronger rental businesses with clearer options for holding, growing, or exiting investments.

Russell’s prior role within a major consumer brand’s BTR business provided her with insights into customer needs and operational nuances, which she intends to apply in her consultancy work. This experience is particularly relevant as the rental sector faces increasing regulatory and market pressures, requiring landlords and agents to balance operational efficiency with compliance and tenant satisfaction.

Implications for landlords and letting agents

While Lived. primarily targets institutional investors and larger portfolio operators, the consultancy’s emphasis on operational performance and strategic oversight has indirect relevance for smaller landlords and letting agents. The rental sector continues to experience regulatory changes, including evolving safety obligations, possession procedures, and energy efficiency requirements. These developments increase the complexity of managing rental properties effectively.

For smaller landlords and agents, the lessons from Russell’s approach underline the importance of robust portfolio management practices. Clear documentation, regular performance reviews, and strategic planning are essential to maintain compliance and optimise returns. The focus on operational oversight also suggests a growing need for professional management and possibly collaboration with specialist service providers to meet regulatory demands and tenant expectations.

Moreover, the withdrawal of a major consumer brand like John Lewis from BTR highlights the financial and operational challenges in the sector. Smaller landlords should be mindful of market conditions, including interest rate fluctuations and inflation, which affect borrowing costs and property maintenance expenses. Strategic planning and risk assessment become crucial to sustaining rental businesses in such an environment.

Sector outlook and areas to watch

The launch of Lived. reflects a broader trend of increased professionalisation and consultancy support in the private rented sector. As regulatory frameworks evolve, including the Renters’ Rights Act and forthcoming safety and energy standards, landlords and agents will need to adapt their practices accordingly. The consultancy’s focus on connecting investment strategy with operational delivery may become more significant as the sector seeks to balance compliance, tenant needs, and financial performance.

Uncertainties remain around how market conditions will develop and how regulation will be enforced. Landlords should monitor government guidance closely and prepare for potential changes in possession procedures, deposit protections, and licensing requirements. The sector’s complexity suggests that access to expert advice and compliance resources will be increasingly valuable.

What landlords should consider now

Landlords and letting agents should review their current portfolio management strategies in light of market and regulatory pressures. This includes ensuring all safety and energy efficiency certificates are up to date, maintaining clear records of tenant communications and repairs, and assessing financial viability under current interest rate conditions. Engaging with professional advice or consultancy services may help identify operational improvements and compliance gaps.

Preparing for upcoming regulatory changes, such as those related to possession and tenancy rights, will reduce risks of enforcement action or costly disputes. Landlords should also consider how to demonstrate effective oversight of their properties, which is increasingly important for both compliance and investor confidence. Staying informed about sector developments and accessing practical guidance will support better decision-making.

Supporting landlords with compliance and management tools

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers membership that includes access to compliance resources and practical information tailored for landlords and letting agents. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help organise property portfolios, manage rental documentation, and keep track of key compliance actions. Features in testing include recording repairs, inspections, and communications, which align with the operational oversight highlighted by industry experts like Katherine Russell.

Membership also provides updates on regulatory developments, helping landlords prepare for changes such as those in tenancy law and safety obligations. While ORBIT does not guarantee compliance, it aims to support landlords in maintaining thorough records and staying organised amid evolving requirements. Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can offer practical support in managing the complexities of the private rented sector.

Looking ahead, landlords should remain proactive in adapting to market and regulatory shifts. Professional expertise and effective portfolio management will be key to sustaining rental businesses and meeting tenant expectations in a challenging environment.

Sources: Letting Agent Today