Single-family rental developer-operator Placefirst has agreed a forward-funding deal with Miller Homes on a 76-home scheme in Widnes.
The deal will see Placefirst let, operate and maintain a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses within the Lunts Heath Rise development once construction is completed in spring 2026.
In addition to the 76 homes acquired by Placefirst, the wider Miller Homes site at Lunts Heath Rise is set to provide a new community featuring 328 one- to five-bedroom homes.
David Mawson, CEO of Placefirst, said: “Our presence in the North West is well established, however, to fulfil our ambition to increase the number of options for high-quality rental homes, we can’t rest on our existing successes. With the demand for housing continuing to grow, expanding supply is crucial in order to support the region’s communities. Through close collaboration with partners, such as Miller Homes, we will continue to address the UK’s lack of quality housing, delivering professionally maintained homes in the right locations to offer residents the security they need.”
Danny O’Connor, divisional managing director at Miller Homes, added: “Miller Homes is delighted to have agreed a deal with Placefirst to deliver 76 homes for the private rented sector in Widnes, and hope this forms the foundation for many more in the future. We look forward to providing high quality and sustainable homes at our Lunts Heath Rise development, and investing in the neighbourhood to ensure that the community we help build, and the people living in it, can grow and prosper.”
Matthew Bench, group managing director – partnerships at Miller Homes, said: “Building private rented sector homes as part of our business model, like these for Placefirst, allows us to continue diversifying our portfolio, while creating new opportunities for land acquisition and supporting our overall growth ambitions.”
