New Homes to Rent in County Down
Want to rent a new-build home in County Down? Land to Homes has no homes to let at the moment, and we do not take applications or holding deposits. Registering interest is free and tells us the area, size of home and timing you need. If we bring forward rental homes that match, we will get in touch with you.
County DownRegister your interest
Tell us where you want to live and what you need. Free, no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.
- Free to registerNo fees, no deposit, no obligation
- Hear firstIf homes are released near you
- Affordable homesWith councils and housing associations
- Clear informationTenure, specification and warranty
- UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI
Registering for homes in County Down
Across County Down, we cover Bangor (County Down) and 5 other towns, among them Castlereagh, Newtownards and Downpatrick. Next door, we also cover County Antrim, County Armagh and County Tyrone.
People registering interest around County Down can tell us whether they want homes for private rent, homes for shared ownership or homes for affordable rent. Planning in County Down follows Northern Ireland’s rules: the Strategic Planning Policy Statement sets national policy and the council’s Local Development Plan sets local policy.
Registering for County Down is free and you can ask us to remove your details at any time.
Why work with Land to Homes in County Down
Signposting to advice
We cannot advise on individual tenancy problems, but we can point you to independent housing advice services in your nation.
Private rent and build to rent
Homes for private rent may be let by us or by an institutional build to rent partner, depending on how a site is funded and managed.
No homes to let yet
Land to Homes is a new business and has no rented homes available. We will contact you if suitable homes are brought forward in your area.
Clear information first
Before any home is offered, expect the rent, the tenancy type, the deposit arrangements and what is included to be set out in writing.
Rules that apply in County Down
Buying a new-build home in County Down follows Northern Ireland's conveyancing process: your solicitor checks the title and contract, the purchase becomes binding once contracts are exchanged, and completion follows. Stamp Duty Land Tax applies where it is due. Many buyers arrange a snagging inspection and confirm the structural warranty before completing. Co-Ownership offers shared ownership to eligible buyers. We have no homes for sale yet, but you can register your interest.
In Northern Ireland, private tenancies are governed by the Private Tenancies Order as amended by the Private Tenancies Act 2022, which lengthened notice to quit periods and tightened deposit rules. Private landlords must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme. Social homes are allocated through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's common waiting list.
| National planning policy | Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS, Edition 2), applied with retained Planning Policy Statements until each council adopts its Plan Strategy |
|---|---|
| Local planning document | Local Development Plan (LDP), made up of a Plan Strategy and a Local Policies Plan |
| Who decides applications | The 11 district councils, with the Department for Infrastructure deciding regionally significant applications |
| 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 | Land & Property Services (Land Registry and Registry of Deeds) |
| How a sale becomes binding | A land sale becomes legally binding when contracts signed by both parties are exchanged and finishes on completion, with the title registered in the Land Registry at Land & Property Services. |
| Developer contributions | Section 76 planning agreements under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (there is no Community Infrastructure Levy) |
Common questions in County Down
What is build to rent?
Build to rent means homes designed and built specifically for renting, usually owned by one landlord and professionally managed as a whole development. Schemes often include on-site management and shared spaces. Land to Homes talks to institutional partners about build to rent, but we have no build to rent homes available at present.
Will my deposit be protected?
In most cases, yes. Each nation requires private landlords to protect tenancy deposits in an approved scheme within a set period and to give tenants information about the scheme. The detailed rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If homes we bring forward are let privately, deposits will be handled under the rules that apply.
How are tenancies different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
In Wales, tenants are contract-holders under occupation contracts set by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Most private tenancies in Scotland are open-ended private residential tenancies. In Northern Ireland, private tenancies are governed by the Private Tenancies Order, as amended by the Private Tenancies Act 2022. Each nation has its own rules on deposits, notice and landlord registration.
Are new-build rented homes more energy efficient?
Generally, yes. New homes must meet current building regulations or building standards on insulation, airtightness and heating, which are stricter than the rules many older homes were built to. That usually means a better Energy Performance Certificate rating, although running costs still depend on the home, the heating system and how it is used.
Are there new homes available in County Down now?
Not yet. Land to Homes has no homes available in County Down at the moment. You can register your interest for County Down, and we will contact you if we bring homes forward there or nearby.
Read more: New Homes to Rent · Guide: Renting a new-build home: tenancy rules in England, Wales, Scotland and NI