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Funders and partners · Dorset

Build to Rent Partnerships in Christchurch

How do build to rent partnerships work in Christchurch?

Build to rent partnerships in Christchurch are arrangements where homes are designed and built specifically for renting and owned long term by an institution or registered provider. Land to Homes brings land, planning and construction, and discusses forward funding, where the partner funds the build, or forward purchase, where the partner commits to buy the finished homes. This is not an offer to invest.

Landowner and site manager shaking hands at the entrance to a housing site under constructionChristchurch · BH23

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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

Working together in Christchurch

In Dorset, Christchurch lies about 4 miles east of Bournemouth; its central postcode district is BH23. Nearby, we also cover Bournemouth, New Milton and Poole, all within 9 miles. Within England, Christchurch falls in the South West region.

Typical partnership structures for Christchurch: council land brought forward for homes, joint ventures with landowners and forward-funded build to rent. Because Christchurch is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

If you are considering a partnership around Christchurch, we are happy to talk privately.

What we offer in Christchurch

Management in mind

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

Designed for renting

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

Forward funding

The partner acquires the site and funds construction in stages, with Land to Homes delivering the scheme under a development agreement.

Forward purchase

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

The English system, as it applies in Christchurch

Affordable homes in Christchurch are usually funded through a mix of Section 106 contributions from market schemes and grant from Homes England's Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026 to 2036, or from the Greater London Authority in London. Registered providers, regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing, own and manage most of them. Land to Homes can bring forward land and build homes for councils and housing associations, including homes for Social Rent.

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 Christchurch
Local planning documentLocal Plan
In-principle consentOutline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
How a sale becomes bindingA land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry.

Build to Rent Partnerships in Christchurch: questions

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.

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.

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.

Do you work with partners on schemes in Christchurch?

Yes. We discuss schemes in Christchurch and elsewhere in Dorset, including Poole, Bournemouth and Weymouth 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 Dorset

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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