PLATFORM_, the integrated UK build-to-rent investor, developer and asset manager with a significant operational footprint in Scotland, has appointed Matt Garner as its new Chief Financial Officer.
Garner brings 13 years of real estate CFO experience to the role, most recently at Praxis Real Estate Management Limited, and has a proven track record in transforming finance functions and executing major transactions — including delivering £800m of real estate debt facilities. He trained as a Chartered Accountant at Simmons Gainsford Group before spending six years at PwC.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for PLATFORM_, which now operates 1,500 homes under its brand across Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Sheffield. In Scotland, the business operates the largest BTR scheme in the country — 498 apartments on Anderston Quay in Glasgow — alongside its recently completed 464-home development in Bonnington, Edinburgh, forward-funded by Heimstaden Bostad.
Scotland’s BTR Momentum
The timing of the leadership change aligns with a broader resurgence in Scotland’s BTR sector. New secondary legislation under the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which came into force in April 2026, exempts qualifying BTR schemes from rent controls — a change industry analysts at JLL and Ryden say could unlock close to 10,000 consented but stalled homes across Edinburgh and Glasgow.
PLATFORM_ is well-placed to benefit, having maintained its operational base in Scotland through years of regulatory uncertainty. With its development pipeline also advancing across Leeds, Bristol and Milton Keynes, the business is now entering its second decade of operation with fresh financial leadership to support its ambitions.
Executive Reaction
Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, welcomed the new appointment while paying tribute to his outgoing finance chief:
“I’m very pleased to welcome Matt to the executive team at PLATFORM_ and excited about the new skills and experience he brings to support the continued growth of the business as we deliver our development pipeline, acquire new opportunities and grow our management services. At the same time, we’re sorry to see Jon leave after he has contributed so much to the development of our business since joining in 2018. He has been a trusted partner to me and many others across the business. We wish him all the very best in his new role.”
Garner himself said he was joining at an exciting stage for the business:
“PLATFORM_ has a strong track record of delivering high‑quality homes at scale, creating both an exceptional resident experience and long‑term value for investment partners. I’m delighted to join the team at an exciting stage, as the business continues to grow and deliver its development pipeline, while continuing to expand its operating platform, including into third-party management.”
A Decade of Delivery
Garner succeeds Jonathan Rae, who joined PLATFORM_ in 2018 and leaves to take up the CFO role at Grosvenor Property UK. Reflecting on his tenure, Rae said:
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“It’s been a privilege to work with the exceptionally talented team at PLATFORM_ over the last 8 years. The real estate sector has faced a number of seismic challenges over this period but at PLATFORM_ we always found a way to keep delivering new homes and growing our service offering under the PLATFORM_ brand. This is down to the ingenuity and dedication of the people at PLATFORM_ as well as an unwavering focus on building relationships over the long term.”
PLATFORM_ also holds a circa 4,200-home portfolio and pipeline across the UK, and is currently progressing plans for a second Edinburgh scheme — 527 BTR homes in Leith — which would further cement its position as Scotland’s leading build-to-rent operator.
