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Funders and partners · Cheshire

Build to Rent Partnerships in Chester

How do build to rent partnerships work in Chester?

If you are an institution or registered provider seeking new rental homes in Chester, Land to Homes can bring forward sites designed for build to rent. Homes are planned for renting from the start, with management, layouts and shared spaces to suit. The partnership can be structured as forward funding or forward purchase, agreed privately with each party taking its own advice.

Aerial view of a housing site with plots at different build stages and a site compoundChester · CH1

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  • Private conversationsEvery arrangement documented
  • Land to homesLand, planning and construction
  • Housing partnersCouncils and housing associations
  • No public offerNothing here is an offer to invest
  • UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI

Partnerships around Chester

We cover Chester as part of Cheshire. It is about 19 miles south-west of Warrington, around postcode district CH1. Close by, our coverage also takes in Ellesmere Port, Garston and Speke. Chester is part of England’s North West region. Our head office in Great Barr, Birmingham, is about 59 miles away.

Partnerships we can discuss around Chester include design and build for a registered provider, Section 106 affordable homes and joint ventures with landowners. In England, where Chester sits, planning decisions are made by the local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority).

To discuss a scheme near Chester, call us or send a short note about the opportunity.

What we offer in Chester

Nation-aware tenancies

Each nation has its own tenancy law, and schemes are planned with the rules that will apply to tenants and landlords in mind.

Affordable element planned in

Where policy requires affordable homes, we agree the right tenure with the council at planning stage, such as affordable private rent in England.

Forward purchase

The partner commits to buy the completed homes, while construction is financed separately until the scheme reaches practical completion.

Houses or apartments

Single-family rental houses on suburban sites or apartments in towns, depending on the site, the planning context and the partner's requirements.

Rules that apply in Chester

Councils and housing associations around Chester can bid for grant through Homes England's Social and Affordable Homes Programme, which funds Social Rent, Affordable Rent at up to 80% of market rent, and shared ownership. Landlords of the rented homes must be registered with the Regulator of Social Housing. National policy also expects local plans to set a minimum Social Rent proportion for major development. Land to Homes is ready to discuss sites, partnership and delivery.

In England, the National Planning Policy Framework recognises build to rent as a distinct housing type, with affordable private rent as the usual affordable tenure. New private lets are assured periodic tenancies under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Appraisals must allow for Stamp Duty Land Tax, Section 106 obligations and, where charged, the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Key rules in Chester
Local planning documentLocal Plan
Who decides applicationsThe local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
Land registrationHM Land Registry
Developer contributionsSection 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it

Common questions in Chester

What is affordable private rent?

Affordable private rent is the usual form of affordable housing in build to rent schemes in England. Homes are let at a discount to local market rent, managed by the build to rent landlord rather than a housing association, and secured through a planning obligation. Eligibility and the level of discount are set by the council's policy.

What is the difference between forward funding and forward purchase?

With forward funding, the partner buys the site and pays for construction in stages as the scheme is built. With forward purchase, the partner agrees to buy the finished homes on completion, while the developer arranges construction finance in the meantime. The structures share risk differently, so each party takes its own legal and tax advice.

What is build to rent?

Build to rent is housing designed and built specifically for renting, held in single ownership and professionally managed. It can take the form of apartment blocks or single-family houses. Homes are let directly by the owner or its operator rather than sold, and schemes often include on-site management and shared facilities for residents.

Is this an investment opportunity?

No. Nothing on this site is an offer or invitation to invest, and we do not take money from members of the public. Build to rent partnerships are agreed privately with institutions, registered providers and other professional parties, each relying on its own advisers and due diligence. We do not publish projected profits or performance figures.

Do you work with partners on schemes in Chester?

Yes. We discuss schemes in Chester and elsewhere in Cheshire, including Crewe, Winsford and Great Sankey privately with professional partners. Nothing on this website is an offer or invitation to invest.

Read more: Build to Rent Partnerships · Guide: Renting a new-build home: tenancy rules in England, Wales, Scotland and NI

Own land that could take new homes?

Start with a free, no-obligation site appraisal. On option and promotion agreements we fund the planning work and pay your reasonable legal fees.

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