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Funders and partners · Scottish Borders

Build to Rent Partnerships in Galashiels

How do build to rent partnerships work in Galashiels?

Build to rent partnerships in Galashiels 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 constructionGalashiels · TD1

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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 Galashiels

Galashiels (TD1) anchors our coverage of Scottish Borders, which takes in 3 other places. Hawick is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 13 miles, followed by Kelso and Peebles.

Around Galashiels, we can talk to partners about land-led schemes with a housing partner, council land brought forward for homes and forward-funded build to rent. Planning in Galashiels follows Scotland’s rules: National Planning Framework 4 sets national policy and the council’s Local Development Plan sets local policy.

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

Our approach in Galashiels

Not an offer to invest

Nothing here is an offer or invitation to invest. Arrangements are agreed privately with professional partners, each taking its own advice.

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.

Forward funding

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

The Scottish system, as it applies in Galashiels

Affordable homes in Galashiels 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.

Key rules in Galashiels
Who decides applicationsThe council as planning authority (or a national park authority in its area)
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT)
Land registrationRegisters of Scotland (Land Register of Scotland)
Developer contributionsSection 75 planning obligations, with Section 69 agreements sometimes used for simple one-off payments

Your questions answered for Galashiels

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 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.

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.

Do you work with partners on schemes in Galashiels?

Yes. We discuss schemes in Galashiels and elsewhere in Scottish Borders, including Hawick, Kelso and Peebles 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 Scottish Borders

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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