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Funders and partners · County Antrim

Build to Rent Partnerships in Newtownabbey

How do build to rent partnerships work in Newtownabbey?

Land to Homes plans build to rent schemes in Newtownabbey with the long-term landlord in mind. That means durable specifications, efficient management, a mix of homes that suits local renters and, where planning policy requires it, an affordable element such as affordable private rent in England. We work through forward funding or forward purchase with institutional and registered provider partners.

Bright new-build kitchen-diner with grey units and glazed doors to a gardenNewtownabbey · BT36

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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 Newtownabbey

About 4 miles north of Belfast, Newtownabbey is part of our County Antrim coverage, centred on postcode district BT36. Belfast is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 4 miles, followed by Carrickfergus and Castlereagh.

Typical partnership structures for Newtownabbey: joint ventures with landowners, forward-funded build to rent and land-led schemes with a housing partner. In Northern Ireland, where Newtownabbey sits, planning decisions are made by the 11 district councils, with the Department for Infrastructure deciding regionally significant applications.

Tell us about the opportunity near Newtownabbey and the right person will call you back.

What we offer in Newtownabbey

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.

Designed for renting

Layouts, storage, specifications and amenities are chosen for long-term letting and management, rather than adapted from homes designed for sale.

Management in mind

Bin stores, parking, cycle storage, parcel rooms and plant are designed for efficient day-to-day management and low maintenance.

Forward purchase

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

Rules that apply in Newtownabbey

Social homes in Newtownabbey are built mainly by registered housing associations through the Social Housing Development Programme. The Department for Communities funds the programme and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive manages it, assessing need and drawing up a rolling three-year plan. Housing associations are regulated by the Department for Communities. Land to Homes can bring forward land and build homes for housing association partners.

In Northern Ireland, rented homes are let under the Private Tenancies Order as amended by the Private Tenancies Act 2022, and private landlords must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme. Stamp Duty Land Tax applies, title is registered with Land & Property Services, and planning agreements are made under Section 76 with the council.

Key rules in Newtownabbey
Local planning documentLocal Development Plan (LDP), made up of a Plan Strategy and a Local Policies Plan
Who decides applicationsThe 11 district councils, with the Department for Infrastructure deciding regionally significant applications
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Developer contributionsSection 76 planning agreements under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (there is no Community Infrastructure Levy)

Your questions answered for Newtownabbey

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.

How do tenancy rules affect build to rent?

Build to rent homes are let under the private tenancy law of each nation. In England, most new private tenancies are assured periodic tenancies under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Wales uses occupation contracts, Scotland the private residential tenancy and Northern Ireland the Private Tenancies Order regime. Schemes are planned with these rules in mind.

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.

Can registered providers take on build to rent homes?

Yes. Registered providers can acquire rental homes through forward purchase or package deals, including homes for social rent, affordable rent, mid-market rent or market rent, depending on the nation and their own objectives. We discuss schemes with providers and plan them around the provider's standards and funding conditions.

Do you work with partners on schemes in Newtownabbey?

Yes. We discuss schemes in Newtownabbey and elsewhere in County Antrim, including Antrim, Lisburn and Belfast 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

Build to Rent Partnerships elsewhere in County Antrim

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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