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Funders and partners · Kent

Build to Rent Partnerships in Chatham

How do build to rent partnerships work in Chatham?

If you are an institution or registered provider seeking new rental homes in Chatham, 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.

Landowner and site manager shaking hands at the entrance to a housing site under constructionChatham · ME4

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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

Schemes around Chatham

About 8 miles north of Maidstone, Chatham is part of our Kent coverage, centred on postcode district ME4. The nearest other places we cover are Gillingham (1 mile), Rochester (1 mile) and Strood (2 miles). Within England, Chatham falls in the South East region.

Partnerships we can discuss around Chatham include Section 106 affordable homes, design and build for a registered provider and mixed-tenure developments. As Chatham is in England, applications are judged against the National Planning Policy Framework, and the buyer of land pays Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

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

Our approach in Chatham

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.

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.

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.

The English system, as it applies in Chatham

In England, affordable housing on market developments in Chatham is normally secured through a Section 106 agreement, which sets the number, tenure and transfer of homes to a registered provider. Grant from Homes England can add further homes, and the 2026 to 2036 programme expects at least 60% of funded homes to be Social Rent. Land to Homes can supply land, design and build homes, or deliver completed homes for councils and housing associations.

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 Chatham
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)
Land registrationHM Land Registry

Your questions answered for Chatham

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.

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.

Do build to rent schemes have to include affordable housing?

Often, yes, depending on the nation and the council's policy. In England, national policy expects build to rent schemes to provide affordable housing, usually as affordable private rent. Elsewhere, requirements are set by the council's development plan. The detail is agreed at planning stage and recorded in a planning agreement.

Can we discuss a partnership in Chatham?

We are happy to talk about specific opportunities in Chatham and elsewhere in Kent, including Rochester, Dover and Maidstone. Conversations are private and every arrangement is documented by each party’s own advisers. Nothing here is an 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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