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New homes and housing · Dorset

Council and Housing Partnerships in Christchurch

How can councils and housing associations partner with us in Christchurch?

If you are a council or housing association looking for new homes in Christchurch, there are several ways to work with Land to Homes. We can sell you completed homes on a site we control, bring forward land for a scheme you will own, build on your land under a design and build contract, or deliver the affordable homes a planning agreement requires.

Calm new-build townhouse living room with a grey sofa and a tree-lined street viewChristchurch · BH23

Talk to us about a partnership

Tell us about your organisation and the homes you need.

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

Registering for homes in Christchurch

Christchurch sits about 4 miles east of Bournemouth in Dorset, in the BH23 postcode district. The nearest other places we cover are Bournemouth (4 miles), New Milton (5 miles) and Poole (9 miles). Christchurch is in the South West region of England.

When you register for Christchurch, you can choose two- and three-bedroom family homes, one- and two-bedroom apartments or larger family homes. As Christchurch is in England, applications are judged against the National Planning Policy Framework, and the buyer of land pays Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

Tell us what you need in Christchurch and we will be in touch if homes are released nearby.

Why work with Land to Homes in Christchurch

Clear agreements

Every partnership is set out in a written agreement covering the programme, specification, payment stages and handover.

Planning obligation homes

The affordable homes required by a Section 106, Section 75 or Section 76 agreement, designed with a provider and transferred on completion.

Package deals

We sell completed affordable homes on a site we control to a registered provider, with the mix, design and price agreed before construction starts.

Land-led schemes

We bring forward land for a scheme the provider will own, which can be fully affordable where planning policy and funding allow.

The English system, as it applies in Christchurch

Councils and housing associations around Christchurch can bid for grant through Homes England's Social and Affordable Homes Programme, which funds Social Rent, Affordable Rent at up to 80% of market rent, and shared ownership. Landlords of the rented homes must be registered with the Regulator of Social Housing. National policy also expects local plans to set a minimum Social Rent proportion for major development. Land to Homes is ready to discuss sites, partnership and delivery.

In England, registered providers, including housing associations and for-profit providers, are regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing. Affordable homes are usually secured through Section 106 agreements, and grant is channelled through Homes England, or the Greater London Authority in London. Councils follow procurement rules and their legal duties on value when disposing of land or appointing partners.

Key rules in Christchurch
Local planning documentLocal Plan
In-principle consentOutline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Land registrationHM Land Registry

Common questions in Christchurch

Can you help a community land trust or community-led group?

Potentially, yes. Community-led schemes often need land, planning and construction support, which is what we provide. The right structure depends on the group, the land and any funding available. We can discuss land options, a design and build arrangement or homes delivered within a wider scheme, with each party taking its own legal advice.

Can you build on land a council or housing association already owns?

Yes. Under a design and build arrangement, we design and construct homes on land the council or provider owns, to its specification and standards. Contracts follow the client's procurement rules, which may mean a framework, a tender or another compliant route. We discuss the approach early so the scheme fits the client's governance.

What is a land-led scheme?

A land-led scheme is one where land is secured and a scheme is planned around a provider's needs, rather than the provider buying a share of homes within a market-led development. It can allow a higher proportion of affordable homes, or a fully affordable scheme, where planning policy and funding support it.

What are Section 106 affordable homes?

They are affordable homes a developer must provide under a Section 106 agreement attached to a planning permission in England or Wales. The agreement sets the number, tenure and often the transfer terms, and the homes are usually sold to a registered provider. Scotland uses Section 75 agreements and Northern Ireland uses Section 76 agreements for similar purposes.

Are there new homes available in Christchurch now?

Not yet. Land to Homes has no homes available in Christchurch at the moment. You can register your interest for Christchurch, and we will contact you if we bring homes forward there or nearby.

Read more: Council and Housing Association Partnerships · Guide: How affordable and social homes are delivered across the UK

Council and Housing Partnerships elsewhere in Dorset

Own land that could take new homes?

Start with a free, no-obligation site appraisal. On option and promotion agreements we fund the planning work and pay your reasonable legal fees.

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