Funding and Investment Partners in Sunderland
Land to Homes brings forward land and new homes in Sunderland 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.
Sunderland · SR1Start a conversation
Tell us about your organisation or opportunity and we will call you back.
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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
Schemes around Sunderland
Sunderland sits about 10 miles south-east of Newcastle upon Tyne in Tyne and Wear, in the SR1 postcode district. Seaham is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 5 miles, followed by Houghton-le-Spring and Jarrow. Sunderland is part of England’s North East region.
Partnerships we can discuss around Sunderland include forward-funded build to rent, social rent homes and land-led schemes with a housing partner. Because Sunderland 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 Sunderland and the right person will call you back.
What we offer in Sunderland
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.
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.
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.
Planning and land rules in Sunderland
If your land near Sunderland lies in the Green Belt, national policy still protects it, but England's planning framework now recognises grey belt: Green Belt land that is previously developed or does not strongly contribute to certain Green Belt purposes. Where there is evidenced unmet need and the location is sustainable, grey belt housing can be acceptable, with major schemes meeting the Golden Rules on affordable housing, infrastructure and green space. Planning is never guaranteed, so we check policy, access and constraints first.
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.
| 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) |
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) |
| Developer contributions | Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it |
Questions about Funding and Investment Partners in Sunderland
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.
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.
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 Sunderland?
We are happy to talk about specific opportunities in Sunderland and elsewhere in Tyne and Wear, including Houghton-le-Spring, Tynemouth and Newburn. 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: Green Belt and grey belt land explained