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For landowners · County Londonderry

Landowner Joint Ventures in Coleraine

Can I enter a joint venture on land in Coleraine?

If you own land in Coleraine and want more than a land price, a joint venture lets you stay involved in what gets built. The structure might be a contract, a joint venture company or a partnership. Each has different implications for control, risk, tax and funding, so independent legal and tax advice is essential before you commit.

Landowner and surveyor at a wooden field gate looking over a paddock behind town gardensColeraine · BT52

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  • Free site appraisalNo cost, no obligation
  • Legal fees coveredReasonable fees, on options and promotion
  • Nothing to pay upfrontOn promotion: we fund planning
  • Direct purchaseSuitable sites, with or without planning
  • UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI

Selling land around Coleraine

About 27 miles east of Derry/Londonderry, Coleraine is part of our County Londonderry coverage, centred on postcode district BT52. Limavady is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 13 miles, followed by Ballymena and Magherafelt.

Sites worth a conversation around Coleraine: redundant agricultural buildings, backland plots with a workable access and large and long rear gardens. As Coleraine is in Northern Ireland, applications are judged against the Strategic Planning Policy Statement, and the buyer of land pays Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

Tell us where your land is around Coleraine and we will explain the routes open to you.

What you get in Coleraine

Choice of structure

A joint venture can be purely contractual, a joint venture company or a limited liability partnership. Each handles control, liability, tax and exit differently, and your own advisers should help you choose.

Advice before commitment

Joint ventures carry real commercial risk. We always recommend independent legal, tax and valuation advice, and we will say plainly if a straight sale or an option looks like a better fit for you.

Sale or rent agreed together

Homes can be built for sale, for rent, or as affordable housing with a council or housing association. The mix affects risk and when money comes back, so it is agreed before work starts.

Decisions and deadlock

The agreement should say who decides on design, pricing, contractors and programme, which matters need both parties' consent, and how any disagreement is resolved without stalling the project.

Rules that apply in Coleraine

Permission in Principle, an English route, does not apply in Northern Ireland. Instead, landowners near Coleraine usually seek outline or full planning permission from the council. Developer contributions are agreed under Section 76 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, and there is no Community Infrastructure Levy. Land to Homes can take on that process through an option or promotion agreement, or buy a suitable site directly, subject to survey, title and contract.

In Northern Ireland, joint ventures use similar structures, but planning is handled by the district council under the SPPS and its local development plan. Section 76 agreements can secure affordable housing, often delivered by housing associations through the social housing programme the Housing Executive manages. Stamp Duty Land Tax applies, and titles are registered with Land & Property Services.

Key rules in Coleraine
Local planning documentLocal Development Plan (LDP), made up of a Plan Strategy and a Local Policies Plan
Land registrationLand & Property Services (Land Registry and Registry of Deeds)
How a sale becomes bindingA 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 contributionsSection 76 planning agreements under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (there is no Community Infrastructure Levy)

Your questions answered for Coleraine

What is a landowner joint venture?

It is an arrangement where a landowner and a developer pool what they have to deliver a development. The landowner usually contributes the land, and the developer contributes expertise, management and access to funding. Instead of a fixed price at the start, the landowner shares in the outcome once homes are sold or let, under agreed terms.

How is the land valued in a joint venture?

Usually by agreement or independent valuation at the start, based on its value with or without planning. That figure may give you a first call on proceeds before any profit is shared. The method matters a great deal, so agree it in writing and consider taking advice from your own surveyor.

Do I have to put money into a joint venture?

Not always. In many landowner joint ventures the land is the landowner's whole contribution, while the developer arranges the rest of the funding. Some structures ask both parties to contribute cash. The agreement should state clearly whether any further contribution could ever be required from you, and in what circumstances.

Can a joint venture include affordable or rental homes?

Yes. A scheme can combine homes for sale, homes for rent and affordable or social homes delivered with a council or housing association. The mix changes the cash flow and when money is paid out, so it should be agreed between the parties before the planning application is submitted.

Is Coleraine an area you cover for land?

Yes, we cover land in Coleraine and elsewhere in County Londonderry, including Magherafelt, Limavady and Derry/Londonderry. Where a site suits us we can buy it directly, or set up an option or promotion agreement. On promotion there is nothing to pay upfront.

Read more: Landowner Joint Ventures · Guide: Option agreement or promotion agreement: what is the difference?

Landowner Joint Ventures elsewhere in County Londonderry

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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