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PLACEFIRST NEWS Archives - Placefirst Latest News Just another RentCafe UK Blogs Sites site Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:50:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 Matter-Backed Placefirst Appoints Lee McLean as CEO https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2026/06/17/matterbacked-placefirst-appoints-lee-mclean-as-ceo/ https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2026/06/17/matterbacked-placefirst-appoints-lee-mclean-as-ceo/#respond Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:23:00 +0000 https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2026/06/17/matter-backed-placefirst-appoints-lee-mclean-as-ceo/ Placefirst, the UK single-family rental housing developer and operator backed by Matter Real Estate, has appointed Lee McLean as Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 August 2026. McLean joins from global platform Campus Living Villages, where he served as UK CEO for nearly eight years, overseeing a portfolio of more than 10,300 student beds. He brings…

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Placefirst, the UK single-family rental housing developer and operator backed by Matter Real Estate, has appointed Lee McLean as Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 August 2026.
McLean joins from global platform Campus Living Villages, where he served as UK CEO for nearly eight years, overseeing a portfolio of more than 10,300 student beds. He brings more than 25 years’ experience scaling operational real estate businesses across the UK and international markets.
He succeeds David Mawson, who transitioned to Executive Chair in February 2026 as part of his planned retirement.
McLean will lead Placefirst’s next phase of growth, overseeing a portfolio of more than 2,300 homes in operation and advancing its national expansion strategy. The platform currently has 1,300 homes under construction and a further 600 currently in the pipeline, with a long-term target of 10,000 homes.
Matter Real Estate acquired a majority stake in Placefirst in 2016, when the platform comprised 73 units. Today, Matter manages approximately €1bn of assets across more than 10,000 residential units in the UK and continental Europe.
Lee McLean, CEO of Placefirst, said: “Placefirst has built a clear identity in single-family rental, with a portfolio and delivery model that stands out in the UK market. The opportunity now is to scale that platform further, expanding partnerships and continuing to grow in undersupplied regions. I’m looking forward to building on its strong foundations and working with the team.”
David Mawson, Executive Chair of Placefirst, said: “It has been a privilege to lead Placefirst over the past few years and to see the platform grow to where it is today. I am pleased to be handing over to Lee at such an important stage in its development. He brings the right experience to lead the business forward, and I am looking forward to working closely with him as the business continues to expand.”
David Christie, CEO of Matter Real Estate, added: “Lee’s appointment represents a natural next step in Placefirst’s development as a scaled SFR platform. His experience driving growth in operational residential sectors will be key as we continue to expand the portfolio. I would also like to thank David Mawson for his leadership in building Placefirst into the platform it is today, and we’re pleased he will remain closely involved as Executive Chair.” 

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]]> https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2026/06/17/matterbacked-placefirst-appoints-lee-mclean-as-ceo/feed/ 0 1525 Vistry announces new partner with Placefirst at Develop Warwickshire’s Nuneaton development https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2026/01/29/vistry-announces-new-partner-with-placefirst-at-develop-warwickshires-nuneaton-development/ https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2026/01/29/vistry-announces-new-partner-with-placefirst-at-develop-warwickshires-nuneaton-development/#respond Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:18:00 +0000 https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2026/01/29/vistry-announces-new-partner-with-placefirst-at-develop-warwickshires-nuneaton-development/   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…

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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. 

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David Mawson To Transition To Executive Chair As Part Of Planned Retirement https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2026/01/28/david-mawson-to-transition-to-executive-chair-as-part-of-planned-retirement/ https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2026/01/28/david-mawson-to-transition-to-executive-chair-as-part-of-planned-retirement/#respond Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:23:00 +0000 https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2026/01/28/david-mawson-to-transition-to-executive-chair-as-part-of-planned-retirement/ Placefirst, the build-to-rent developer-operator and single-family housing specialist, has announced that David Mawsonwill step into the role of Executive Chair in February 2026, marking the first stage of his planned retirement.   Mawson has served as CEO of Placefirst for almost six years, overseeing significant growth and positioning the business as a leading operator in…

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Placefirst, the build-to-rent developer-operator and single-family housing specialist, has announced that David Mawsonwill step into the role of Executive Chair in February 2026, marking the first stage of his planned retirement.

 

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.

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Placefirst continues national expansion, agreeing two new deals with Vistry for 44 new homes in Oxford and 80 in Northampton https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/12/18/placefirst-continues-national-expansion-agreeing-two-new-deals-with-vistry-for-44-new-homes-in-oxford-and-80-in-northampton/ https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/12/18/placefirst-continues-national-expansion-agreeing-two-new-deals-with-vistry-for-44-new-homes-in-oxford-and-80-in-northampton/#respond Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:11:00 +0000 https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/12/18/placefirst-continues-national-expansion-agreeing-two-new-deals-with-vistry-for-44-new-homes-in-oxford-and-80-in-northampton/   Placefirst has agreed two forward-funded deals with housebuilder Vistry to deliver 44 new single-family rental homes at Kidlington, Oxford and 80 at Norwood Farm, Northampton. The transactions represent Placefirst’s second and third partnerships with Vistry following the announcement earlier this year of a deal to deliver 139 homes in Mansfield. In Oxford, the 44-home…

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Placefirst has agreed two forward-funded deals with housebuilder Vistry to deliver 44 new single-family rental homes at Kidlington, Oxford and 80 at Norwood Farm, Northampton.

The transactions represent Placefirst’s second and third partnerships with Vistry following the announcement earlier this year of a deal to deliver 139 homes in Mansfield.

In Oxford, the 44-home scheme, due to complete in June 2026, will comprise a mix of high quality three- and four- bed rental houses with a GDV of £26 million. They form part of Vistry’s wider 370 home mixed-tenure masterplan at Kidlington, which is being delivered in collaboration with Cherwell District Council, and will also include new allotments, public open space, play areas and a sports pitch.

The deal marks Placefirst’s entry into the Oxford market and is located in the in-demand centre of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc’s growing science and tech economy; it denotes a further milestone in its national expansion.

Placefirst and Vistry’s Northampton development, which is due to complete between October 2026 and September 2027, will comprise 22 two-bedroom, 47 three-bedroom and 11 four-bedroom rental houses with a GDV of £29 million.

The homes will form a considerable part of the wider Western Gate community at the Norwood Farm Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE), a major new mixed-use development which is set to deliver 1,900 new homes across a range of tenures, alongside shops, cafés, healthcare centres, a new primary school, public open spaces and children’s play areas.

For both schemes, Placefirst will provide end-to-end support to residents by managing the lettings process, handling all aspects of property management and ensuring a high standard of customer service with a dedicated resident services manager.

The partnership between the two companies underlines their mutual commitment to collaboration as a means of building at scale and tackling the UK’s housing shortage across multiple regions.

Henry Marshall, Investment Director at Placefirst, commented: “Our continued collaboration with Vistry is enabling us to deliver high-quality single-family rental homes in some of the UK’s most high-demand, supply-starved markets. At both Kidlington and Norwood Farm, the deals to fund a total of 124 homes represent a rare opportunity to ensure that purpose-built rental housing forms an integral part of a community’s housing mix from the outset.

We have chosen to work with Vistry as they share our ethos of building sustainable, lasting communities, and our firm belief in the power of partnerships such as these to accelerate the delivery of well-designed, expertly constructed homes where they are most needed.”

Andrew Harvey, Managing Director of Vistry South Central Midlands, said: “It’s fantastic to be extending our partnership with Placefirst. Both deals at Oxford and Northampton demonstrate our shared commitment to creating inclusive, high-quality communities that meet a wide range of housing needs.”

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]]> https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/12/18/placefirst-continues-national-expansion-agreeing-two-new-deals-with-vistry-for-44-new-homes-in-oxford-and-80-in-northampton/feed/ 0 1511 Placefirst breaks ground on 165-home Galley’s View neighbourhood in Sunderland city centre https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/12/16/placefirst-breaks-ground-on-165home-galleys-view-neighbourhood-in-sunderland-city-centre/ https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/12/16/placefirst-breaks-ground-on-165home-galleys-view-neighbourhood-in-sunderland-city-centre/#respond Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:06:00 +0000 https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/12/16/placefirst-breaks-ground-on-165-home-galleys-view-neighbourhood-in-sunderland-city-centre/ Thursday 16th December 2025: Build-to-rent specialist Placefirst has broken ground at Galley’s View, marking a significant step in the Riverside Sunderland masterplan. The project (previously known as Farringdon Row) will transform a 4.57-acre brownfield site into a neighbourhood of 165 high-quality, sustainable and professionally managed homes for long-term rent.   Once complete, the development will…

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Thursday 16th December 2025: Build-to-rent specialist Placefirst has broken ground at Galley’s View, marking a significant step in the Riverside Sunderland masterplan. The project (previously known as Farringdon Row) will transform a 4.57-acre brownfield site into a neighbourhood of 165 high-quality, sustainable and professionally managed homes for long-term rent.

 

Once complete, the development will comprise 67 houses and 98 apartments ranging in size from 2-3 bedrooms and 1-2 bedrooms respectively. The new provision of quality homes brings the total number of properties delivered by Placefirst in the North East to 509, following the developer’s existing sites in Hartlepool, Esh Winning, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Hetton-le-Hole.

 

The homes are designed to achieve EPC ‘A’ ratings, meaning residents benefit from lower energy bills and more efficient temperature control, reflecting both Placefirst and Sunderland City Council’s ambitions to create a sustainable community. Caddick has been appointed as the main contractor on the scheme, which will feature a combination of private and communal gardens to provide residents with ample outdoor space.

 

The name and design of the site are inspired by the landscape of the nearby Galley’s Gill. The apartment blocks will be arranged along the clifftop edge which overlooks Galley’s Gill, creating a distinctive silhouette. A cliff top footpath overlooking Riverside Park, with views of the River Wear and the coast, will also provide a scenic walkway to the neighbourhood.
 


 

Galley’s View is the second residential neighbourhood in the Sunderland city centre regeneration project, named ‘Riverside Sunderland’, which aims to build 1,000 new homes and 1 million sq ft of office space in the former industrial heart of the city. The Galley’s View plans were developed in collaboration with local architects ID Partnerships and development consultants IC Planning, sustainable engineering consultants Cundall, landscape architects LUC and mechanical and electrical engineering consultants TACE.

 

The scheme has been made possible through close collaboration between Placefirst and Sunderland City Council. With grant funding being provided by the North East Combined Authority (NECA) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

 

David Mawson, CEO at Placefirst, said: “Breaking ground at Galley’s View marks a significant milestone for both Placefirst and the wider Riverside Sunderland masterplan. The neighbourhood will play a key role in raising the standard of living in Sunderland, through high quality, sustainable rental housing and appealing green spaces in a prominent city centre location.

 

“This scheme is an example of what can be achieved when ambitious placemaking is backed by strong partnerships. By working closely with Sunderland City Council and Homes England, Placefirst is creating a new neighbourhood which meets the needs of the local community and will support the wider growth and regeneration of Sunderland City Centre. We look forward to working closely with these partners and our project team to bring this neighbourhood to life, and to continue to meet the fast-evolving needs of Sunderland’s city centre and the wider North East area.”

 

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “The start on site at Galley’s View is yet another major milestone for our city centre’s regeneration. Drawing more residents to the heart of the city is crucial to help support our retailers and leisure venues and contribute to the overall regeneration and transformation of Sunderland city centre.

 

“Galley’s View will not only provide high-quality homes for our residents but will also create a neighbourhood that supports the long-term future of Sunderland as a place where people want to live, work and invest.”

 

Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director at Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, said: “Breaking ground at Galley’s View marks an important step in our growth across the North East, and our partnership with Placefirst reflects the residential expertise we bring to projects of this scale. We’re proud to be starting work on a scheme that will contribute to Sunderland’s wider regeneration, and we look forward to delivering high-quality homes that will help shape a thriving and sustainable community for local people.”

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Caddick adds to North East portfolio with Placefirst’s Sunderland BTR scheme https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/11/10/caddick-adds-to-north-east-portfolio-with-placefirsts-sunderland-btr-scheme/ https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/11/10/caddick-adds-to-north-east-portfolio-with-placefirsts-sunderland-btr-scheme/#respond Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:33:00 +0000 https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/11/10/caddick-adds-to-north-east-portfolio-with-placefirsts-sunderland-btr-scheme/ Caddick Construction has been awarded a £36.8m contract to build Farringdon Row in Sunderland, becoming the third built-to-rent development delivered by the growing contractor on behalf of Placefirst. The appointment will see Caddick build a new development of 165 homes, comprising a mix of townhouses and apartments. The development will be the second new neighbourhood…

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Caddick Construction has been awarded a £36.8m contract to build Farringdon Row in Sunderland, becoming the third built-to-rent development delivered by the growing contractor on behalf of Placefirst.

The appointment will see Caddick build a new development of 165 homes, comprising a mix of townhouses and apartments. The development will be the second new neighbourhood under Sunderland City Council’s Riverside Sunderland Masterplan to deliver 1,000 new homes in the city centre.

 

Delivered from Caddick’s Durham offices at Belmont Business Park, Farringdon Row adds to the contractor’s growing North East portfolio as it increases its focus on a regional project pipeline.

 

Farringdon Row adds to Caddick’s work on behalf of Placefirst following the completion of BTR schemes in the North West and Yorkshire. These include Deansgate Gardens in Bolton and Bolt Works in Halifax.

 

Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director, Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, commented: “We’re very proud to be continuing our strong partnership with Placefirst on this exciting new build-to-rent scheme in Sunderland. Following the successful delivery of Bolt Works and Deansgate Gardens, our appointment to Farringdon Row reflects the quality, trust and shared vision we’ve built together. We are privileged to play a role in the regeneration of Sunderland, creating high-quality homes and thriving communities for local people.”

 

Phil Jones, Development Director at Placefirst said: “Farringdon Row is an exciting addition to our growing portfolio and reflects our commitment to creating quality homes designed for long-term living in Sunderland. By working closely with Caddick Construction, we’re proud to be supporting Sunderland City Council’s ambitious Riverside regeneration plans and bringing new energy to the heart of the city’s waterfront.
 

“Our partnership with Caddick has gone from strength to strength through several successful projects. Now, Farringdon Row will play a key role in continuing to improve the standard of city centre living in Sunderland, through high quality, sustainable homes and green spaces.”

 

Cllr Kevin Johnston, Cabinet Member for Housing, Business and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “Farringdon Row is key to ensuring we achieve our goal of increasing the number of people living in Sunderland city centre by over 2,500 people over the course of the next decade, so it’s fantastic news that a contractor has been appointed to deliver the scheme.

 

“Both Caddick Construction and Placefirst have proven track records of building and delivering high-quality, built-to-rent urban housing developments, so we are excited to be partnering with them to transform this city centre site into a stunning new community that will have stunning views across the river and riverside park.

 

“It will help fill the gap for much-needed rental housing while also providing a major boost to the high street, bringing footfall from residents, and encouraging more businesses to relocate here. It is yet another huge milestone for Riverside Sunderland, a place that is now widely recognised as being among the UK’s most ambitious and exciting city centre regeneration projects.”

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Placefirst and Strata strengthen partnership with second scheme to deliver 104 family homes in Nottingham https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/07/23/placefirst-and-strata-strengthen-partnership-with-second-scheme-to-deliver-104-family-homes-in-nottingham/ https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/07/23/placefirst-and-strata-strengthen-partnership-with-second-scheme-to-deliver-104-family-homes-in-nottingham/#respond Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:10:00 +0000 https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/07/23/placefirst-and-strata-strengthen-partnership-with-second-scheme-to-deliver-104-family-homes-in-nottingham/ Build-to-rent developer-operator Placefirst, and leading contemporary homebuilder Strata, in a strategic partnership with Auxesia Homes, have announced a second deal under their joint venture to deliver 104 single-family rental homes in Bilborough, Nottingham.   The deal reinforces their commitment to building 500 sustainable, high-quality rental homes across the UK by 2028.The latest scheme, called Chingford…

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Build-to-rent developer-operator Placefirst, and leading contemporary homebuilder Strata, in a strategic partnership with Auxesia Homes, have announced a second deal under their joint venture to deliver 104 single-family rental homes in Bilborough, Nottingham.
 

The deal reinforces their commitment to building 500 sustainable, high-quality rental homes across the UK by 2028.The latest scheme, called Chingford Meadows includes 70 spacious three-bedroom homes and 34 generous four-bedroom homes, all of which will be managed and maintained by Placefirst. By exclusively comprising houses, the planned development reflects growing demand for larger homes in the private rental sector, as well as Placefirst’s belief in giving renters the same space and choice as buyers.
 

This forward-funded scheme represents Placefirst’s first investment in Nottingham and will bring the total number of homes delivered through its JV with Strata to 232. With the partnership’s mission to build at pace, the first homes will be delivered in July 2026, with site completion due in July 2028.
 

The scheme will also bring 26 much-needed affordable homes to the area, which are being acquired by Auxesia Homes, a Registered Provider (RP) of affordable housing. This pioneering deal marks a new way of doing business for all partners involved – Placefirst, Auxesia Homes, and Strata, working together to deliver both private rental and affordable housing at scale. The structure of this agreement is the first of its kind for Auxesia and Placefirst, where this joined-up approach in purchasing both S106 and build to rent units allows developers to unlock entire sites in a single transaction, even where traditional viability might otherwise fall short. It provides developers with a profitable, de-risked exit strategy while enabling the delivery of high-quality, energy-efficient homes across tenures. This model is set to be replicated across future sites, offering new opportunities for landowners, developers, and investors seeking impactful, scalable housing delivery.
 

The homes at Chingford Meadows will be built to a best-in-class rental specification, developed jointly by Strata and Placefirst. Each property will include private gardens, electric vehicle charging points, and photovoltaic (PV) panels, offering greater privacy and comfort, lower energy costs, and enabling a more sustainable lifestyle within a professionally managed rental community.
 

The development will be located just a 15-minute drive from the city centre in a well-connected area of Nottingham. Future residents will benefit from being walking distance from a number of schools, but still within close proximity to open green space and wellness facilities, including Bilborough Park and Harvey Hadden Sports Village.

 

Henry Marshall, Investment Director at Placefirst said: “Chingford Meadows is a strong testament to the success that sustained partnership can bring. Together with Strata, we are bringing to the East Midlands’ largest city new, high-quality single-family rental homes for the local community, as part of our first investment in Nottingham.

Strengthening our partnership with Strata allows us to accelerate delivery and build at greater scale. The urgency of this shouldn’t be underestimated as the growing shortfall of such homes in the private rental market is estimated to be in the millions. This second scheme is a clear demonstration of what our joint venture and shared commitment can achieve, and it brings us closer to our ambition of delivering 500 homes through this partnership.

This new scheme also reflects our mission to deliver the best for the UK’s community of renters, offering them quality single-family homes that provide them with the space and stability they need to settle and put down roots in places where they want to live. As regeneration and placemaking specialists, we know that it is only by giving renters this homeowner quality experience that we can foster embedded, long-term communities.

We are also delighted that the development will bring 26 new affordable rental homes to the area offering local people safe, energy-efficient places to live.”

 

Gemma Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Strata said: "This project is a fantastic example of the power of long-term collaboration. Working closely with Nottingham City Council, Placefirst and Auxesia, we’ve been able to unlock a site that will now deliver genuine social and economic value for the city.

It’s especially exciting to be delivering our first Midlands-based Single Family Housing site with Placefirst — a partner that shares our values when it comes to quality, placemaking and long-term stewardship. This marks a major step forward in our ambitions to grow our footprint in the Midlands through meaningful partnerships and mixed-tenure communities.”
 

Claire Donnelly, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Auxesia Homes, commented: “This deal represents a step change in how we approach site delivery. By bringing together three like-minded organisations, we’ve created a model that not only works commercially but also delivers meaningful social value. It shows what can be achieved when ambition, innovation, and shared purpose come together – and we’re excited to build on this success across future developments.”

 

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July Holiday Competition https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/07/03/july-holiday-competition/ https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/07/03/july-holiday-competition/#respond Thu, 03 Jul 2025 13:25:00 +0000 https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/07/03/july-holiday-competition/ Win a £1,000 holiday voucher – this July only!   Need a break? We’re giving one lucky renter the chance to win a £1,000 holiday voucher – just for booking and attending a viewing at one of our homes this July! Whether you're dreaming of sandy beaches or a peaceful countryside retreat, this could be…

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Win a £1,000 holiday voucher – this July only!
 

Need a break? We’re giving one lucky renter the chance to win a £1,000 holiday voucher – just for booking and attending a viewing at one of our homes this July!

Whether you're dreaming of sandy beaches or a peaceful countryside retreat, this could be your ticket to the perfect getaway.
 

How to Enter:

1 Book and complete an in-person viewing at one of our selected sites during July

2 Be an eligible renter

3 Complete our viewing feedback form

3️ For an additional chance to win, share a photo of your viewing on your Instagram Story and tag @PlacefirstHomes for even more chances to win a holiday!

 

Extra Bonus!

Reserve a home in July and get one month’s rent free – that’s even more money to put towards your dream holiday!

 

Participating locations include: Deansgate Gardens – Bolton, Bolt Works- Halifax, Lunts Heath – Widnes,  The Oaks – Esh Winning, Priors Hall Park – Corby, The Rise – Newcastle. Call our Lettings Team today to book your viewing 0330 058 1905

 

Competition closes: 31st July 2025
Winner announced: 7th August

 

Don't miss your chance to win a dream getaway – and your first month rent-free.View, reserve, and relax – Placefirst has you covered

 

T&Cs

Placefirst July Competition – Terms & Conditions
Win a £1,000 Holiday Voucher + One Month Rent Free!
 

1. Promoter
The promoter is: Placefirst Limited, registered in England and Wales with company number 07071980, whose registered office is at Suite 7.1 Salford, M5 3EJ
 

2. The competition
Book and attend a viewing at any participating Placefirst home during July 2025 and be in with a chance to win a £1,000 holiday voucher. One winner will be selected at random by Placefirst. Placefirst’s decision is final.

Participating locations include: Deansgate Gardens – Bolton, Bolt Works- Halifax, Lunts Heath – Widnes,  The Oaks – Esh Winning, Priors Hall Park – Corby, The Rise – Newcastle. This Competition is exclusive to Placefirst properties – viewings at properties owned and/or operated by other businesses will not qualify.
 

3. How to Enter
To enter the competition, you must:

  • Book and attend a viewing at any live Placefirst site between 1st July and 31st July 2025
  • Be an eligible renter (see section 5)
  • Complete our viewing feedback form here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/36BN5H6
  • Optional bonus entry: Post a photo or video from your viewing on your Instagram Story and tag @PlacefirstHomes
     

4. Bonus Offer
Reserve a Placefirst home during July 2025 and receive one month’s rent free upon move-in. Offer applies only to reservations made and confirmed within the campaign period. One month’s rent free T&C’s can be found here.
 

5. Eligibility
To be eligible to win and receive the month rent free, entrants must: 

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Have the right to rent in the UK
  • Be actively seeking rental accommodation and attend a scheduled viewing at a Placefirst site
  • [Not be a current resident in a Placefirst property]
  • Not be an employee or immediate family member of a Placefirst employee or agent
  • Not be a bot and not use a bot to enter the competition
  • Complete the resident feedback form via Survey Monkey
  • Have entered the competition prior to 23:59 GMT on 31 July 2025

Placefirst’s decision on eligibility of any entrant is final. Placefirst will not have any liability to any entrant in the event that it incorrectly judges an entrant either to be eligible or not to be eligible.
 

6. Prize Details

  • 1 x £1,000 holiday voucher from one of Hays Travel or Airbnb
  • The winner may select a single voucher from one of the above providers only.
  • The voucher will be subject to the provider’s terms and conditions and Placefirst will have no liability in the event that the voucher is not redeemed by any travel provider, and/or there are any issues with any travel booking made using the voucher.
  • No cash alternative is available for all or part of the voucher.
  • The prize is non-transferable.
     

7. Winner Selection and Announcement

  • The winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries
  • The draw will take place on 2nd August 2025
  • The winner will be contacted via phone or email by 7th August 2025
  • If the winner cannot be contacted within 7 days, Placefirst reserves the right to select another winner. On selection of an alternative winner, the original winner will cease to be eligible to receive a voucher
     

8. General

  • By entering, participants agree to these terms and to be contacted by Placefirst for purposes relating to the competition
  • Any personal data provided will be used in accordance with Placefirst’s Privacy Policy
  • Placefirst reserves the right to amend or withdraw this promotion at any time without notice
  • Neither Instagram nor any of the list of issuers of vouchers endorse or sponsor this promotion
  • Placefirst is not responsible for any content posted by entrants into the competition
     

9. Participating Locations
Eligible sites include Bolton, Bolt Works- Halifax, Lunts Heath – Widnes,  The Oaks – Esh Winning, Priors Hall Park – Corby, The Rise – Newcastle.
 

10. Contact
For any queries related to the competition, please contact: [email protected] or call 0330 058 1905

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Placefirst completes £21M Build-to-Rent scheme in Central Halifax https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/05/27/placefirst-completes-16321m-buildtorent-scheme-in-central-halifax/ https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/05/27/placefirst-completes-16321m-buildtorent-scheme-in-central-halifax/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 14:08:00 +0000 https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/05/27/placefirst-completes-21m-build-to-rent-scheme-in-central-halifax/ Build-to-rent (BTR) developer Placefirst has completed a £21m, 122-home residential scheme in Halifax town centre, further expanding its portfolio of high-quality, professionally managed rental communities. At a ribbon-cutting event attended by the Mayor of Calderdale, Ann Kingstone, Placefirst and Calderdale Council unveiled the new homes. The project, dubbed Bolt Works, delivered on a brownfield site…

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Build-to-rent (BTR) developer Placefirst has completed a £21m, 122-home residential scheme in Halifax town centre, further expanding its portfolio of high-quality, professionally managed rental communities.

At a ribbon-cutting event attended by the Mayor of Calderdale, Ann Kingstone, Placefirst and Calderdale Council unveiled the new homes.

The project, dubbed Bolt Works, delivered on a brownfield site previously occupied by a multi-storey car park and represents Placefirst’s most sustainable development to date. Featuring a thermally efficient building envelope, photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, and MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) units, the scheme is designed to drive long-term operational efficiencies while reducing environmental impact and delivering lower bills for consumers.

Located off Cow Green in Halifax, the development comprises a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments tailored for the modern rental market, and is the town’s first BTR scheme. Designed in collaboration with JM Architects, it draws inspiration from Halifax’s rich heritage while integrating with Calderdale Council’s wider town centre regeneration strategy, including transformation of travel and public spaces through the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project.

Calderdale Council and Placefirst have worked closely in partnership to deliver the scheme. The new homes support the Council’s priorities for thriving towns and places, reducing inequalities and climate action. The development also supports the Calderdale The Next Chapter transformation work, delivering economic regeneration through an unprecedented level of investment.

The homes at Bolt Works have been built on the site of a car park that was demolished in 2016 after being deemed unsafe. Calderdale Council approved Placefirst’s transformation of the site after considering uses that were “appropriate to its prominence”, being situated on a key gateway into Halifax.

This news follows Placefirst’s recent announcement that it will deliver more than 500 BTR homes in Leeds in a joint venture that will run to 2028.

The scheme was funded primarily by Placefirst with contributions from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund and a loan from the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

Caddick Construction acted as the main contractor for the scheme, delivering the project in close collaboration with Placefirst and a team of expert consultants, including JM Architects, Walker Sime, Roscoe, Hydrock, Stantec, TACE, Currie and Brown and DEP Landscape Architecture.

Phil Jones, Director of Development at Placefirst, commented: “The completion of Bolt Works marks another milestone in our mission to provide much-needed rental homes in key regional locations. As consumers increasingly place quality at a premium and treat renting as an active choice, we remain committed to creating sustainable developments that add value for both residents and the wider urban environment.

"The project is a prime example of how underused town centre sites can be transformed into thriving, high-quality communities that align with local regeneration ambitions. We are proud to have worked in partnership with Calderdale Council to bring this vision to life and look forward to future opportunities in the region.”

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said: “The new homes at Bolt Works support our priority for thriving towns and places, regenerating underused spaces and creating much-needed homes, in a great central location. The development contributes to wider regeneration work across Halifax and the Calderdale area, creating a place where people want to live, work, study and do business. I’m also pleased to see sustainability at the heart of the development, with innovative technologies used to improve energy efficiency and reduce the building’s environmental impact, supporting our climate objectives.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Converting disused brownfield sites into communities where people can thrive is a priority across West Yorkshire, and Placefirst’s new homes at Bolt Works in Halifax should be treated as a blueprint for successful public-private collaboration in meeting this goal. When we established the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund, it was with sustainable, considerate schemes like this in mind – and it’s great to see the funds being put to good use.”

Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director at Caddick Construction Yorkshire and North-East, said: “The Bolt Works project has proved what’s possible when unused brownfield sites are redeveloped with the community at the forefront and we are proud to have been a part of this fantastic development for Halifax.

“Caddick has been delivering first-class builds across the region for over 45 years, with a great number of those being new neighbourhoods and high-rise residential schemes, which makes us the perfect fit for this project. We’re pleased to have officially handed over Bolt Works to Placefirst to now welcome the first residents.”

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Flatfair signs partnership with Placefirst to boost choice for residents in booming Build-to-Rent sector https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/05/27/flatfair-signs-partnership-with-placefirst-to-boost-choice-for-residents-in-booming-buildtorent-sector/ https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/05/27/flatfair-signs-partnership-with-placefirst-to-boost-choice-for-residents-in-booming-buildtorent-sector/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 14:03:00 +0000 https://www.placefirst.co.uk/blog/2025/05/27/flatfair-signs-partnership-with-placefirst-to-boost-choice-for-residents-in-booming-build-to-rent-sector/                                                        Leading deposit alternative provider flatfair has announced an exciting new partnership with award-winning build-to-rent (BTR) developer and single-family housing (SFH) specialist, Placefirst, further enhancing its residents’ experience by…

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Leading deposit alternative provider flatfair has announced an exciting new partnership with award-winning build-to-rent (BTR) developer and single-family housing (SFH) specialist, Placefirst, further enhancing its residents’ experience by offering them significant upfront savings and granting the business greater financial security.

This collaboration aligns with the rapid growth of the UK’s BTR sector, which has surged by 173% over the past five years, according to Excellion Capital. Investment into the sector hit a record high of £5.2bn in 2024 alone, highlighting the expected demand for purpose-built rental homes across the UK. The detached or semi-detached homes which Placefirst specialises in delivering, also known as single-family housing, has also rapidly emerged as a major part of the BTR sector – with Savills recording that in 2024, 51% of all BTR investment was into SFH.

Gary Wright, CEO of flatfair, said: "We're thrilled to partner with Placefirst, a forward-thinking developer whose focus aligns perfectly with our own commitment to making renting more affordable and secure for everyone involved. As rental prices continue to climb and traditional deposits grow increasingly burdensome for tenants, our No Deposit solution not only significantly reduces upfront moving costs but also provides landlords with double the protection of traditional deposits, ensuring peace of mind for all parties."
 

Simple and flexible

Mark Hawley, Operations Director at Placefirst, said: “Our priority is making renting as simple and flexible as possible for our residents, and this partnership with flatfair helps us do just that. For some, finding the upfront cash for a deposit can be a challenge, and flatfair’s deposit-free alternative will make the moving process easier. It’s important that our customers have as much choice as possible.”

flatfair’s innovative No Deposit solution has proven popular, with a 26% increase in adoption year-on-year. It allows tenants to save an average of £1,291 in upfront costs, funds which can be redirected towards furnishing their new homes or supporting their cost-of-living expenses.

This new partnership underlines the significant shift within the property sector towards solutions that prioritise flexibility, affordability, and tenant satisfaction, demonstrating the forward momentum and transformative potential within the UK's build-to-rent market.

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