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New homes and housing · Dorset

Social Housing in Poole

How are new social rent homes delivered in Poole?

In Poole, as across the UK, Land to Homes aims to bring forward new social rent homes with councils and housing associations, either within a mixed development or as a scheme built entirely for a social landlord. We handle land, planning and construction. The landlord owns and manages the homes, sets the rent within the rules and allocates them from its housing list.

Newly completed terrace of two-storey affordable homes with small front gardensPoole · BH15

Register your interest

Tell us where you want to live and what you need. Free, no obligation.

Registering interest is not a housing application. Social and affordable homes are allocated by councils and housing providers through their own lists.

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 Poole

We cover Poole as part of Dorset. It is about 5 miles west of Bournemouth, around postcode district BH15. Close by, our coverage also takes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and New Milton. Poole is in the South West region of England.

When you register for Poole, you can choose accessible and adaptable homes, homes for first-time buyers or homes for shared ownership. Because Poole is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

Register for Poole and we will contact you if we bring homes forward nearby.

Why work with Land to Homes in Poole

Homes for the long term

Homes are designed for long-term letting, with durable materials, practical layouts and running costs for tenants kept in mind.

Whole-site schemes

We can also discuss schemes built entirely for a council or housing association, on land we bring forward or land the landlord already owns.

Part of mixed schemes

Social rent homes are often the affordable housing element of a larger development, secured through a planning obligation agreed with the council.

Clear signposting

If you need a home, we point you to your council's housing team or, in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The English system, as it applies in Poole

In England, affordable housing on market developments in Poole is normally secured through a Section 106 agreement, which sets the number, tenure and transfer of homes to a registered provider. Grant from Homes England can add further homes, and the 2026 to 2036 programme expects at least 60% of funded homes to be Social Rent. Land to Homes can supply land, design and build homes, or deliver completed homes for councils and housing associations.

In England, social rent homes are owned by councils and registered providers regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing, with rents set under the Rent Standard. Councils allocate homes under their published allocation schemes, often through choice-based lettings. New social homes are usually secured through Section 106 agreements or funded with grant through Homes England, or the Greater London Authority in London.

Key rules in Poole
National planning policyNational Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance
Who decides applicationsThe local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
Land registrationHM Land Registry
How a sale becomes bindingA land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry.

Questions about Social Housing in Poole

Who owns and manages new social homes?

A council or a housing association, often called a registered provider in England and a registered social landlord in Wales and Scotland. The landlord sets the rent within the rules that apply, handles repairs and manages tenancies. A developer such as Land to Homes builds the homes and transfers them, but does not manage them as a social landlord.

How is social housing allocated?

Councils and housing associations allocate social homes using published allocation policies that give priority to households in housing need, such as people who are homeless, overcrowded or living in unsuitable housing. Many areas use a shared register or choice-based lettings, where applicants bid for advertised homes. The details vary by council and by nation.

Can I apply to Land to Homes for a social rent home?

No. Land to Homes does not allocate social housing or keep a housing list. Social homes are allocated by councils and housing associations through their own lists and policies. To apply, contact your council's housing team or local housing associations. In Northern Ireland, apply through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, which manages the common waiting list.

Can social housing be built on land I own?

Yes. Land can be sold to a developer who includes social homes in the scheme, or offered for a scheme built entirely for a council or housing association. Planning policy often requires affordable homes on larger sites anyway. Our free site appraisal looks at whether your land suits new homes and which route makes sense.

Can I register for new homes in Poole?

Yes. Registering for Poole is free and does not commit you to anything. There are no homes available yet; if we bring homes forward in or near Poole, we will contact you.

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

Social Housing 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.

CallRegister interest