Funding and Investment Partners in Greater London
Land to Homes brings forward land and new homes in Greater London and across the UK, and some schemes need outside funding. That might be development debt from a lender, forward funding from an institutional partner, or a landowner keeping a stake through a joint venture. We discuss funding privately, and nothing here is an invitation to invest or regulated investment advice.
Greater LondonStart a conversation
Tell us about your organisation or opportunity and we will call you back.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.
- 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 Greater London
Our Greater London coverage takes in 82 towns and cities, centred on London and including Barnes, Richmond and Notting Hill. Neighbouring areas we also cover include Surrey, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Around Greater London, we can talk to partners about forward-funded build to rent, social rent homes and Section 106 affordable homes. Planning in Greater London follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.
To discuss a scheme near Greater London, call us or send a short note about the opportunity.
Why work with Land to Homes in Greater London
Landowner co-investment
A landowner can keep an interest in their land through a joint venture rather than selling outright, with the terms set out in a written agreement.
No money from the public
We do not take deposits, loans or investment from members of the public. Funding is discussed privately with lenders, institutions and landowners only.
Equity partners
Institutional partners can discuss forward funding or forward purchase of specific schemes, agreed privately and documented by each party's own advisers.
Development lenders
We discuss senior and mezzanine development finance with lenders on a site-by-site basis, with security and terms agreed through each party's solicitors.
How the rules work in Greater London
Land with no planning permission can still be sold. Around Greater London, the usual routes in England are a direct sale, an option agreement or a promotion agreement, where the planning work is funded for you and the land is sold once consent is granted. Outline planning permission settles the principle, with reserved matters approved later. Section 106 obligations, the Community Infrastructure Levy where charged and biodiversity net gain all affect what a site is worth, so independent advice matters.
In England, land purchases usually attract Stamp Duty Land Tax, and lenders take a legal charge registered at HM Land Registry. Scheme appraisals must allow for Section 106 obligations, the Community Infrastructure Levy where charged, and biodiversity net gain. Homes England is the government's housing and regeneration agency and runs public funding programmes for housing.
| 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 |
Common questions in Greater London
What types of funding do residential developments use?
Typically a mix of senior development debt, sometimes mezzanine debt, and equity from the developer and its partners. Build to rent and affordable homes may use forward funding or forward purchase by an institution or registered provider. Landowners can also contribute land through a joint venture. The right structure depends on the scheme, and each party takes independent advice.
What information do funding partners usually review?
Partners usually review the site title, the planning position, the scheme appraisal, the build programme, the construction approach, the plan for selling or letting the homes and the developer's background. Each carries out its own due diligence, often with valuers, monitoring surveyors and solicitors. We share site-specific information under confidentiality where appropriate.
How is forward purchase different from forward funding?
With forward funding, the investor pays for the land and construction as the scheme is built. With forward purchase, the investor commits to buy the completed homes, but the developer arranges construction finance in the meantime. The choice affects risk, cost and timing for both parties, so each takes its own advice before agreeing terms.
How can a landowner co-invest in a development?
Instead of selling outright, a landowner can put land into a joint venture with a developer, agreeing how costs, decisions and proceeds are shared. This can suit landowners who want a longer-term involvement. It carries more risk than a sale, so independent legal, tax and financial advice is essential before agreeing any terms.
Can we discuss a partnership in Greater London?
We are happy to talk about specific opportunities across Greater London, including Woodford Green, Pimlico and Finchley. Conversations are private and every arrangement is documented by each party’s own advisers. Nothing here is an invitation to invest.
Read more: Funding and Investment Partners · Guide: How is development land valued?