The post Matter-Backed Placefirst Appoints Jez Tidman as Operations Director appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
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Tidman will lead operations across Placefirst's portfolio of more than 2,300 homes, with responsibility for driving resident experience, occupancy and commercial performance. A key focus will be developing the operational structure to support Placefirst’s growth, with 1,300 homes under construction, a further 600 in the pipeline and a long-term target of 10,000 homes.
In his new role, Tidman will act as a central touchpoint between Placefirst's customer-facing teams and its development, investment and asset management functions.
Tidman joins Placefirst from one of the largest student accommodation providers in the UK, iQ Student Accommodation, where he served as Head of Site Operations for over eight years, overseeing the operations of 85 sites in 29 locations, with a total of 35,000 beds. He has more than 24 years of experience leading operations for organisations across the UK.
This announcement comes after Placefirst’s recent appointment of Lee McLean as its new CEO, who joined the business on 3rd August.
Jez Tidman, Operations Director of Placefirst, said: “What attracted me to Placefirst is the size of the opportunity both in the business and the wider single-family rental sector. I’m joining Placefirst at a pivotal stage in its growth, and my focus will be making sure our operations are ready to scale with it. My starting point will be people and ensuring that our residents enjoy living in their Placefirst home for the long-term.”
Anna Hwang, Chief Investment Officer of Placefirst, said: “Jez joins us at an important stage in Placefirst's development. Operational excellence is crucial in single-family housing, and his experience professionalising operations and raising standards in student accommodation will be valuable as we grow our portfolio. His people-first approach also reflects our values, and we're delighted to welcome him to the team.”
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]]>The post Placefirst and Strata Complete First Phase of £28.5m Nottingham BTR Neighbourhood appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
]]>Located in Bilborough, approximately 15 minutes from Nottingham city centre, Chingford Meadows has been designed as a managed residential neighbourhood specifically for long-term rental living. The completed development will comprise 104 family homes, including 70 three-bedroom houses and 34 four-bedroom houses.
The scheme reflects Placefirst's focus on delivering high-quality single-family rental housing in locations where demand is growing. All homes have been developed to a bespoke rental specification created jointly by Placefirst and Strata, incorporating spacious layouts, private gardens and modern design features. Chingford Meadows will be managed directly by Placefirst’s in-house operations teams, providing residents with dedicated resident support and responsive maintenance services.
Sustainability has been a central component of the development. All homes incorporate photovoltaic solar panels, battery storage systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs for residents. The homes have also been designed to support lower-carbon living while providing high-quality, future-proofed family accommodation.
The completion of Chingford Meadows further establishes Placefirst's presence in the Midlands and brings the total number of homes being delivered through the joint venture with Strata to 232, which is an important step towards its ambition of delivering 500 homes by 2028.
Anna Hwang, Chief Investment Officer at Placefirst, said: "The completion of our first homes in Nottingham is an important milestone in the growth of Placefirst as well as in our partnership with Strata. The scheme establishes our presence in an important new market and reflects our ambition to bring high-quality rental neighbourhoods to more locations across the UK. By working in partnership with Strata, we're able to bring forward developments like Chingford Meadows more efficiently, helping to increase the supply of quality rental homes in places where people want to live.”
Mark Leaf, Chief Growth Officer at Strata, said: "The completion of the first phase at Chingford Meadows is an exciting milestone for both Strata and Placefirst, demonstrating the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality homes that meet changing housing needs. Working together, we've created a neighbourhood that combines thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient family homes with the long-term benefits of professionally managed rental living.
"As demand for high-quality rental homes continues to grow, partnerships like this play an important role in bringing forward new housing while maintaining the design and placemaking standards central to every Strata development. We look forward to completing the remaining homes and continuing to build on the success of our joint venture with Placefirst."
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]]>The post Placefirst and Wain Homes Agree Forward-Funded Partnership to Deliver 72 Rental Homes in Preston appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
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The deal marks Placefirst’s entry into the Preston market and will further strengthen its growing portfolio across the North West and the UK. The homes will form part of Phase 3 of The Paddocks masterplan, which is set to deliver 429 homes in Higher Bartle, four miles from the centre of Preston. The wider masterplan will deliver more than 1,000 homes across five phases.
The homes will be delivered to a high specification, with all properties heated by air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and built to an EPC B rating. This reflects both Placefirst’s and Wain Homes’ shared commitment to delivering energy-efficient homes designed to help reduce energy use while providing a comfortable living environment year-round. Homes will be completed in phases between January 2027 and January 2028, with a total GDV of £20.5 million.
The new development will provide high quality rental homes in a city with a growing population, which has increased over 16.3% over the last decade. This is driving demand for high-quality, professionally-managed rental accommodation, and a gap in supply that this development is designed to address. The new homes are also strategically located close to Royal Preston Hospital, one of the region’s largest employers, making them well-positioned to meet the needs of healthcare workers.
Wain Homes brings a strong track record of delivering high-quality homes across the North West, Severn Valley and South West, making it a natural partner for Placefirst as it continues to accelerate its national expansion. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to forward-funded deals as a mechanism to bring much-needed rental homes to market at pace with JLL advising Wain Homes on the deal.
As with all its schemes, Placefirst will provide a stress-free and enjoyable place for residents to live, by managing the whole process including design, lettings and maintenance.
Anna Hwang, Chief Investment Officer at Placefirst, said: “This deal marks Placefirst’s entry into the Preston market, where there is demand for high-quality rental housing. Partnering with Wain Homes, a housebuilder with a proven reputation for quality and delivery, gives us great confidence in the scheme’s future success. The Paddocks will provide attractive, energy-efficient homes and we look forward to welcoming our first residents in 2027.”
Richard Chamberlain, Regional Managing Director at Wain Homes, said: "We’re pleased to be partnering with Placefirst on this forward-funded agreement at The Paddocks. It brings together two businesses with a shared commitment to quality, sustainability and creating homes that meet local demand. This partnership will help bring a range of high-quality rental homes to Preston, supporting the next phase of this growing community.”
The post Placefirst and Wain Homes Agree Forward-Funded Partnership to Deliver 72 Rental Homes in Preston appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
]]>The post First Family Homes Now Available To Rent At Our Benwell Dene Neighbourhood In Newcastle appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
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These homes are the first to launch at Benwell Dene, a professionally managed rental community located off Delaval Road, just two miles from Newcastle city centre. The neighbourhood will eventually feature 146 high-quality, energy-efficient homes set among green spaces and open areas, creating a welcoming environment for families, couples and individuals looking for a thoughtfully designed home in a well-connected area.
Each home offers spacious layouts, contemporary interiors and energy-efficient features designed to help reduce day-to-day household bills. Air source heat pumps, solar panels and enhanced insulation have been incorporated throughout, helping to ensure homes are comfortable, sustainable and cost-effective to run. Every home also comes with its own electric vehicle charging point, alongside access to a resident car club, making it easier for residents to choose lower-carbon travel. The neighbourhood includes attractive communal gardens and individual terraces for each home, offering a balance of shared green space and private outdoor areas to relax and unwind.
Opening alongside the first homes, the new community hub will provide a welcoming space for residents and a central place to access support as the new neighbourhood takes shape. It will also be the base for the on-site Resident Services Manager, ensuring help is close at hand for residents as they move in.
Once complete, Benwell Dene will also feature landscaped streets, communal green spaces and open areas designed for residents to relax and socialise. Views across the Tyne Valley will enhance the sense of openness and connection to the wider landscape, while dedicated areas for biodiversity will help support local wildlife and improve the natural environment.
The new homes benefit from excellent transport connections, with Newcastle city centre accessible in around 10 minutes by road and 14 minutes by public transport. Residents are also close to local schools, shops and parks, making Benwell Dene an ideal location for family living.
Unlike traditional private renting, residents at Benwell Dene benefit from Placefirst’s professional in-house management service, including a dedicated Resident Services Manager and responsive maintenance team.
Benwell Dene forms part of the wider transformation of Newcastle's West End, which is bringing new homes and green spaces to the area. Placefirst is already part of this growing community through its nearby neighbourhood of 40 homes at The Rise, and is continuing its commitment to providing high-quality homes for renters in Newcastle.
Anna Malone, Head of Lettings, at Placefirst, said: “We’re pleased to be launching the first homes at Benwell Dene and look forward to welcoming our first residents to this new neighbourhood in Newcastle’s West End. These homes have been designed to offer space, quality and energy efficiency, giving renters a comfortable and well-connected place to live. This is just the beginning for Benwell Dene, and we’re looking forward to seeing the neighbourhood grow into a thriving place to live with a strong sense of community.”
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]]>The post Matter-Backed Placefirst Appoints Lee McLean as CEO appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
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The post Matter-Backed Placefirst Appoints Lee McLean as CEO appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
]]>The post Vistry announces new partner with Placefirst at Develop Warwickshire’s Nuneaton development appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
]]>Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has signed contracts with Placefirst, one of the UK's foremost build-to-rent property developers, for 49 PRS properties at their landmark Milby Meadows development, in Nuneaton. This includes is four 1-bed homes, 23 2-bed and 22 3-bed homes. This agreement, made on behalf of the Develop Warwickshire joint venture (JV), completes a quartet of key partners, each bringing unique expertise and resources to the project.
The JV’s partnership model at the 1,700-home development now includes:
- Platform Homes, delivering 133 affordable properties,
- Sigma, providing 38 PRS homes,
- Leaf, contributing 82 PRS units,
- And Placefirst, rounding out the offering with the final 49 PRS homes.
Together, these organisations are ensuring a diverse mix of tenures, making homes accessible to people from all walks of life and fostering a truly balanced and inclusive community.
Michael Moore, Vistry’s Managing Director for North West Midlands, said: “I am delighted to have such a fantastic range of partners on our largest scheme within the Develop Warwickshire Joint Venture.
“Placefirst brings a wealth of experience and provides an excellent opportunity to develop the private rental sector offer on this site. Bringing a wide range of tenure offers to the area shows the commitment of the JV to delivering high-quality, affordable homes that enhance communities and meet the diverse housing needs in Warwickshire.”
Henry Marshall, Investment Director at Placefirst said: “Our latest project with Vistry builds on our other four neighbourhoods, which will deliver a total of 363 home across Oxford, Northampton, Mansfield, Swindon and now Warwickshire. The collaboration enables us to deliver sustainable, quality homes and communities built for the long-term in places where they’re needed. We look forward to seeing our partnership with Vistry continue to thrive, and helping to create an inclusive and well-connected neighbourhood that supports community growth in Milby Meadows.”
Develop Warwickshire, the joint venture between Vistry, Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) and Warwickshire County Council, is building 2,000 homes in Warwickshire to help address the region’s housing shortage. The JV has committed £2.5 billion to create much-needed new homes and job opportunities for local residents. The partnership's dedication to sustainable development aligns with local authority criteria and aims to enhance the quality of life for Warwickshire residents.
James Devereux, Finance Director of WDPG, said: “This is another major step forward to bring the vision for Milby Meadows and Weddington to life. The agreement between Vistry and Placefirst is a clear demonstration of the confidence in this landmark development and completes a strong quartet of partners within the Develop Warwickshire scheme.
“Together, we’re giving future residents a real sense of the community taking shape while combining our expertise to deliver sustainable, thriving communities across the county.”
Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property at Warwickshire County Council, said: “This agreement marks another significant milestone in delivering the high-quality homes and infrastructure that families across Warwickshire need. The inclusion of Placefirst strengthens an already exceptional partnership and reflects the confidence in what is being achieved at Milby Meadows.
"Through Develop Warwickshire we are creating sustainable, well connected communities that offer real opportunities for local people.”
Each home will be constructed using modern methods of construction, incorporating air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points. The development will boast energy-efficient design elements, incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems and will include beautifully-landscaped green open space.
Phase 1 of the infrastructure works is now complete, creating a northern link road bringing together the surrounding developments with access to the new Higham Lane North Academy, which opened in September 2025 for students aged 11-16.
Construction of the first 530 homes with public open space is well under way. When completed, Milby Meadows will feature a mix of 1,700 two, three and four-bedroom properties, a primary and secondary school, a local centre with retail and community facilities, extensive public open spaces, play areas, a habitat pond and multi-functional green infrastructure, and new roads and highway improvements including on the A444 and footpaths linking to other developments.
The post Vistry announces new partner with Placefirst at Develop Warwickshire’s Nuneaton development appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
]]>The post David Mawson To Transition To Executive Chair As Part Of Planned Retirement appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
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Mawson has served as CEO of Placefirst for almost six years, overseeing significant growth and positioning the business as a leading operator in the UK single-family BTR market. Under his leadership, Placefirst has built a nationwide portfolio and is on track to deliver and operate 10,000 homes through a combination of direct development, joint ventures and forward funded deals.
Day-to-day leadership will be managed by Chief Investment Officer Anna Hwang and Chief Financial Officer Lukman Sabir while the search for a new CEO is underway.
Anna Hwang and Lukman Sabir comment: “David has been instrumental in Placefirst’s strategic growth and success. We’re delighted he will continue to guide the business as Executive Chair and look forward to announcing his successor in due course. On behalf of everyone at Placefirst, we’d like to extend our sincere thanks to David for his strong leadership and invaluable contribution to the strategic growth of the company over the past six years.”
David Mawson, Executive Chair, Placefirst comments: “After nearly six years of continued growth, I am now stepping into a new role as Executive Chair. Placefirst is in a strong position as one of the leading operators in the single-family BTR market, and I look forward to continuing to support the business as it progresses toward its target of 10,000 homes. While I will be stepping back from day-to-day leadership, I will remain closely involved in guiding the company through its next phase. I would like to thank Matter Real Estate for the opportunity to continue contributing to Placefirst’s growth, and to express my appreciation to the talented team at Placefirst, which I have been extremely fortunate to work with, and their continued commitment to the business’s ongoing success.”
Matter Real Estate, a London-based investment manager, acquired a controlling stake in Placefirst in 2015, when the platform had just 50 units. Since then, Matter Real Estate has expanded operations across the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Ireland, managing €1 billion of assets under management and over 10,700 residential units across its Pan-European portfolio.
The post David Mawson To Transition To Executive Chair As Part Of Planned Retirement appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
]]>The post Placefirst continues national expansion, agreeing two new deals with Vistry for 44 new homes in Oxford and 80 in Northampton appeared first on Placefirst Latest News.
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