Build to Rent Partnerships in Somerset
Land to Homes plans build to rent schemes in Somerset 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.
SomersetStart a conversation
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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 Somerset
Our Somerset coverage takes in 10 towns and cities, centred on Bath and including Bridgwater, Taunton and Portishead. If your land is near a boundary, we also cover Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
Around Somerset, we can talk to partners about council land brought forward for homes, mixed-tenure developments and land-led schemes with a housing partner. Because Somerset is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
Tell us about the opportunity near Somerset and the right person will call you back.
How we work in Somerset
Forward purchase
The partner commits to buy the completed homes, while construction is financed separately until the scheme reaches practical completion.
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.
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.
Forward funding
The partner acquires the site and funds construction in stages, with Land to Homes delivering the scheme under a development agreement.
Planning in Somerset: the English rules
Affordable homes in Somerset 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.
| National planning policy | National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance |
|---|---|
| Local planning document | Local Plan |
| Who decides applications | The local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority) |
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) |
| Land registration | HM Land Registry |
| How a sale becomes binding | A land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry. |
| Developer contributions | Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it |
Your questions answered for Somerset
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.
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.
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.
Do you work with partners on schemes in Somerset?
Yes. We discuss schemes across Somerset, including Nailsea, Taunton and Yeovil 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