Build-to-rent (BTR) developer-operator Placefirst has agreed forward-funding deals for the delivery of 237 homes as part of its new strategic ambition to deliver 1,000 new homes a year.
Placefirst has signed deals with Miller Homes and Vistry for 98 and 139 homes respectively, which add to the 326 homes acquired from five separate partnerships in 2024, alongside the 23 developments already in progress.
Vistry’s B2B brand, Countryside Partnership, is delivering the 139 new one- to four-bedroom homes at a development in Mansfield. The site will also feature 17 affordable homes.
With Miller Homes, Placefirst has agreed a forward-funding deal for 98 houses in the Portside Village development in Eston, Middlesbrough.
Placefirst intends to meet its new annual housing delivery target through a number of different approaches, including joint ventures and acquisitions.
David Mawson, CEO of Placefirst, said: “Our commitment to growth is equally a commitment to improving the standard of rental housing in the UK. Delivering more homes alone won’t meaningfully improve the rental experience without a focus on excellent design and construction standards.
“When selecting partners, we prioritise housebuilders who share our people-first approach to development through superior design and craftsmanship, which we can support with our in-house maintenance teams and dedicated resident services throughout the tenancy. Collaborating with trusted developers Vistry and Miller Homes has allowed us to unlock quality homes for long-term rent, advancing our ambitions for national growth to meet the continued demand, alongside a healthy pipeline of Placefirst-led developments.”
Lee Parry, Vistry’s managing director for North East Midlands, added: “It’s great to be working with Placefirst in Mansfield as we embark on what we hope is the first scheme in a fruitful partnership. Together we can make inroads into the shortage of rental properties in the region, creating a thriving and sustainable community.”
Matt Bench, group managing director – partnerships, at Miller Homes, said: “Miller Homes is delighted to be continuing our partnership with Placefirst by delivering these 98 new homes for Middlesbrough at Portside Village. We look forward to providing high-quality, sustainable homes and investing in the neighbourhood to ensure that the community we help build, and the people living in it, can grow and prosper.”
