We are accelerating our nationwide expansion with an updated strategic ambition to deliver 1000 homes a year.
Through a variety of delivery approaches, including joint ventures and acquisitions to complement the growing number of Placefirst-led developments, the new target marks a significant step forward in Placefirst’s commitment to increasing the amount of quality rental stock in the UK market.
Reflecting this strengthened commitment, Placefirst has signed forward-funded deals with Miller Homes and Vistry respectively, with completion expected in 2027. These two agreements will add a further 237 rental homes 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 a 139-home development in Mansfield where upon completion Placefirst will provide comprehensive support to residents by managing the lettings process, handling all aspects of property management and ensuring a high standard of living through a dedicated resident services manager.
Alongside a mix of one to four-bedroom houses for long-term private rent, Placefirst’s funding will enable Vistry Group to deliver of 17 affordable homes. The addition of these homes will support Mansfield’s progress towards its recently increased annual housing delivery target of 540 homes, making significant strides in balancing its current housing supply to meet growing demands.
The partnership marks Placefirst’s second development in the East Midlands following the acquisition of 34 homes from Jelson Homes in Corby.
With Miller Homes, Placefirst has agreed to a forward-funding deal to deliver 98 houses in the Portside Village development in Eston, Middlesbrough. This will be the pair’s second partnership following the deal to acquire 76 homes at Miller Homes’ Lunt’s Heath neighbourhood in Widnes, announced in July.
Strategically located just three miles from Middlesbrough town centre and a mile from Teesside Freeport, the development is well-placed to meet the area’s need for rental housing in an area poised for rapid economic growth.
Commenting on the deals, 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, said: “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, 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.”