Funding and Investment Partners in Scottish Borders

Schemes around Scottish Borders

We cover 4 places across Scottish Borders: Galashiels is the main one, alongside Hawick, Peebles and Kelso. Neighbouring areas we also cover include Edinburgh & the Lothians, Fife and Forth Valley.

Around Scottish Borders, we can talk to partners about Section 106 affordable homes, social rent homes and design and build for a registered provider. Planning in Scottish Borders follows Scotland’s rules: National Planning Framework 4 sets national policy and the council’s Local Development Plan sets local policy.

If you are considering a partnership around Scottish Borders, we are happy to talk privately.

How we work in Scottish Borders

Part of the S&K Group

Land to Homes is part of the S&K Group, a Birmingham-based construction and property group whose businesses include glazing, building supplies and property improvement.

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.

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.

Rules that apply in Scottish Borders

In Scotland, planning applications for land around Scottish Borders are decided by the council as planning authority, using National Planning Framework 4 and the Local Development Plan, which together form the statutory development plan. Instead of outline permission, Scotland uses planning permission in principle, followed by approval of matters specified in conditions. Land to Homes can buy suitable sites directly or promote land through planning, and every conversation starts with a free site appraisal.

In Scotland, land transactions attract Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, and lenders take a standard security registered with Registers of Scotland rather than a legal charge. Contracts are concluded through missives, and planning obligations are secured by Section 75 agreements. Scottish property law differs from English law, so partners need Scottish legal advice.

Key rules in Scottish Borders
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

Your questions answered for Scottish Borders

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.

What is forward funding?

Forward funding is where an investor, often an institution, buys a site and funds the construction of homes on it, taking ownership of the completed scheme. The developer builds the homes under a development agreement. It is used in build to rent and some affordable housing schemes. The legal and tax structure needs specialist advice for each party.

Can I invest in Land to Homes?

Nothing on this site is an offer or invitation to invest, and we do not take investment, loans or deposits from members of the public. We discuss funding privately with development lenders and institutional partners on specific schemes. If you are a professional party with an interest in residential development, you can contact us to start a conversation.

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.

Do you work with partners on schemes in Scottish Borders?

Yes. We discuss schemes across Scottish Borders, including Peebles, Galashiels and Hawick privately with professional partners. Nothing on this website is an offer or invitation to invest.