Build to Rent Partnerships in Scottish Borders
Land to Homes plans build to rent schemes in Scottish Borders 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.
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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 Scottish Borders
We cover 4 places across Scottish Borders: Galashiels is the main one, alongside Hawick, Kelso and Peebles. Next door, we also cover Edinburgh & the Lothians, Fife and Forth Valley.
Around Scottish Borders, we can talk to partners about Section 106 affordable homes, council land brought forward for homes and design and build for a registered provider. Because Scottish Borders is in Scotland, land titles are registered with Registers of Scotland (Land Register of Scotland) and transfers attract Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).
If you are considering a partnership around Scottish Borders, we are happy to talk privately.
How we work in Scottish Borders
Forward purchase
The partner commits to buy the completed homes, while construction is financed separately until the scheme reaches practical completion.
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.
Planning and land rules in Scottish Borders
Affordable homes in Scottish Borders are mainly funded through the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme, with councils and registered social landlords building them. Councils set local investment priorities in their Strategic Housing Investment Plans. On private developments, Local Development Plans often require an affordable housing contribution, secured through a Section 75 agreement. Land to Homes can bring forward land and deliver homes for councils and housing associations.
In Scotland, build to rent homes are let on private residential tenancies, and landlords must register with the council. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 allows rent control areas, with exemptions for qualifying build to rent and mid-market rent properties. Land and Buildings Transaction Tax applies, and planning obligations are secured through Section 75 agreements.
| National planning policy | National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), which forms part of the statutory development plan |
|---|---|
| Local planning document | Local Development Plan (LDP) |
| Who decides applications | The council as planning authority (or a national park authority in its area) |
| In-principle consent | Planning permission in principle (PPP), followed by approval of matters specified in conditions |
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) |
| Land registration | Registers of Scotland (Land Register of Scotland) |
| How a sale becomes binding | Land sales are concluded through missives, formal letters exchanged between solicitors that become a binding contract once concluded, followed by settlement on the date of entry and registration in the Land Register of Scotland. |
| Developer contributions | Section 75 planning obligations, with Section 69 agreements sometimes used for simple one-off payments |
Questions about Build to Rent Partnerships in Scottish Borders
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.
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.
Are build to rent homes exempt from rent control in Scotland?
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 allows rent control areas to be designated, and regulations exempt qualifying build to rent and mid-market rent properties from rent control area restrictions, subject to conditions. Other rent rules for private residential tenancies still apply. The rules are detailed and may change, so partners should take Scottish legal advice on any scheme.
Can we discuss a partnership in Scottish Borders?
We are happy to talk about specific opportunities across Scottish Borders, including Peebles, Hawick and Galashiels. 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