Long Harbour, the real estate investment manager, leader in operational real estate and early entrant to Single Family since 2013, has acquired 105 single family homes (SFH) in Newhall, Harlow, from housebuilder Vistry Group through a forward fund structure.

The 105 homes form part of the wider Newhall Masterplan comprising 2,135 units, with the first handover taking place in April 2026. As part of the plan, there have also been significant improvements to surrounding social infrastructure, including two on-site community hubs which comprise coffee shops, a supermarket and a beauty salon, as well as a primary school and nursery. These hubs, as well as the additional recreation areas, are currently under construction. Future phases will provide greenspaces for residents including sports pitches and a playground.

Harlow benefits from Enterprise Zone status, encouraging businesses in advanced manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, the creative industries, pharmaceuticals and healthcare to operate in the area through tax incentives and fast-tracked planning approvals. Located between London and Cambridge, the site also has easy access to the M11 motorway and London Stansted Airport, which can be reached within 20 minutes.

The acquisition was made on behalf of Long Harbour’s latest Single Family Housing Fund, which recently secured a £300million seed equity commitment from South Korea’s National Pension Service(NPS). Building on its success in the sector, in this fund Long Harbour is seeking to execute an initial deployment target of up to £600 million of single family housing assets, including forward funded, forward purchase and standing stock opportunities. The fund has a total target raise of £1.2bn and is acquiring new-build homes across the UK, with a focus on the South and South East of England.

Jack Spearman, Managing Director of Single Family Housing at Long Harbour, said: “The fund’s first single family housing investment will deliver much needed new homes as part of the Newhall Masterplan, an area with great potential for future growth given its strategic location. This transaction also marks the start of our ambitious deployment plans for Long Harbour’s Single Family Housing platform, working with strategic partners like Vistry will support our growth ambitions and build on our existing strengths across the living sector.”

Will Cazaly, Investment Director at Long Harbour, said: “Demand for single family housing is at record highs and we hope to make an impact by plugging the gap between supply and demand. Harlow offers strong fundamentals since it is an established rental market, demonstrating strong rental growth, with its mid-market rents attracting younger or middle-income earners who may be priced out of commuter towns closer to London. Its proximity to London and Cambridge, as well as the advantages it offers from the Harlow Enterprise Zone, make it an attractive location for renters.”

Verity Macey, Managing Director at Vistry Central Home Counties said: “This PRS deal is the first between Vistry and Long Harbour marking an exciting new partnership with this UK based investment firm. This deal is a great addition to the mix of high-quality housing on offer across these phases of the development, helping us to provide the range of housing that local residents need. The on-site amenities already on offer, combined with those planned for future phases, provide the facilities needed to support thriving and sustainable long-term communities.”  

The site is located just 15minutes by train from Long Harbour’s award-winning multifamily developments in Tottenham Hale: The Sessile and The Gessner, demonstrating how Long Harbour’s living offering caters to renters throughout their rental lifecycle. The range of assets available for renters, from single family to multifamily, provides options both inside and outside of London, appealing to everyone from families to young professionals. Way of Life, the residential lettings and management company, currently manages these multifamily assets and as well as  Long Harbour’s single family portfolio.  

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