A new block of luxury flats in London is offering free mental health “check-ins” to attract renters, as concerns over mental well-being continue to rise. Moda, the rental home developer, hopes to draw tenants to more than 450 new flats near the US embassy in Nine Elms by including mental health support as part of their rent packages.
Residents of the Embassy Boulevard flats will have access to health checks focused on both physical and mental health, along with stress management workshops, breathwork sessions, and “deep rest” routines to improve sleep and stress resilience. Nutrition talks will also be available. Every tenant will receive guides on breathwork and sleep, even if they don’t participate in the sessions. The developer is also subsidizing virtual one-on-one counseling sessions.
The move comes as mental health claims contribute to a surge in benefit claims. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the number of working-age adults in England and Wales reporting poor mental health has risen by 900,000 since 2019, now totaling 2.9 million. This increase has added strain on public finances, with health-related welfare payments reaching £48 billion last year.
Mental health challenges are also affecting renters, with a 2024 survey by Generation Rent revealing that 90% of tenants feel private renting negatively impacts their mental well-being. Moda’s Lydia Eustace believes the added mental health support will ease the stress faced by renters, particularly those dealing with unresponsive landlords. The flats are only available to those who pass affordability checks, reducing financial stress for tenants.
Rents at Embassy Boulevard start at £2,600 per month, with a three-bedroom flat costing £4,600. Eustace emphasized the importance of build-to-rent options like these, which offer services that private rentals cannot. She noted that nearly 75% of Moda’s tenants consider the company’s wellness offerings a key factor in choosing their homes.
Eustace pointed out that a focus on mental health goes beyond just one aspect, saying it involves environment, nutrition, movement, and community. By fostering a supportive space, she believes residents can thrive, leading to improved work productivity and a better quality of life.
In addition to mental health services, Embassy Boulevard offers a range of amenities, including a golf simulator, karaoke room, private dining space, roof terraces, co-working areas, lounges, a library, screening room, children’s playground, and BBQ areas. Traditional fitness options such as a weights area, cardio studio, and yoga and Pilates studio are available, along with free gym and yoga classes.
A separate report from Vanquis, a finance provider, found that 44% of workers said their mental health was affected by financial stress in the last quarter of 2024, a slight increase from the previous quarter.
The Embassy Boulevard development is part of a growing trend to address the mental health needs of residents while offering modern, luxury living spaces.
Related Topics:
