Brownfield Housing Fund – FAQ’s

What type of organisations can apply?

Any organisation is eligible to apply, provided you own the land needed for the project or have evidence of the landowner's consent to deliver the proposed works.

Is this a first come first served fund?

The fund is not being operated on a purely first come, first served basis. While £16.5m must be contracted by March 2027 and applicants are encouraged to submit as soon as they are able, applications will be used to develop a pipeline of sites. This enables projects to be prioritised and sequenced according to readiness, strategic fit and funding requirements. The call for sites will remain open until all available funding has been allocated.

Does my scheme have to outright meet the £30k intervention rate per dwelling? What if it is higher or lower?

No. The £30,000 intervention rate per dwelling is an important consideration in the assessment process, but it is not a strict eligibility threshold. Schemes with intervention rates above or below this figure are still encouraged to apply.

Applications will be assessed against a range of criteria, including deliverability, additionality, value for money, and overall strategic fit. A higher intervention rate will not automatically prevent a scheme from being supported, provided there is a strong justification, and the project demonstrates wider benefits and good value for public investment.

Are there any tenure restrictions to the funding?

No. Funding is available for schemes across all housing tenures.

We are seeking to support a strong mix of tenures that meets local housing needs. While all tenure types are eligible, greater weight may be given to schemes that deliver social rent and affordable rent homes, reflecting the programme's objectives and the need to increase the supply of affordable housing.

My scheme doesn’t have planning permission; can I still apply?

Yes, schemes without planning permission can still apply. However, we are looking to support projects that can be delivered at pace and contribute to meeting programme timescales.

We recognise that brownfield sites can involve additional complexities and longer lead-in times. Therefore, schemes that do not yet have planning permission should generally only apply if they are at an advanced stage and are close to submitting a planning application. The closer a scheme is to securing planning consent, the stronger its position is likely to be when assessed for deliverability.

Are there any specific costs which are ineligible for the Brownfield Housing Fund?

The prospectus outlines what type of investments or schemes the BHF can support. The funding is intended to support infrastructure and enabling works that unlock housing delivery. Costs that are not directly related to achieving these objectives are unlikely to be eligible.

Are works that happen before the funding decision or formal contracting eligible to receive Brownfield Housing Fund?

No. The Brownfield Housing Fund is intended to unlock future housing delivery and does not provide reimbursement for costs that have already been incurred. Any works completed before a funding decision is made, or before a funding agreement is in place, would not normally be eligible for funding. Applicants should therefore proceed at their own risk if undertaking works in advance of approval.

Does a viability assessment have to be done before an application?

Applicants are not required to have a completed viability assessment before applying. However, schemes should be able to demonstrate that there is a funding gap or viability challenge that is preventing delivery and explain how Brownfield Housing Funding will unlock the development.

Where available, applicants are encouraged to provide viability information to support their application. Successful schemes may be required to submit more detailed financial and viability evidence as part of the due diligence and appraisal process.

Do properties have to be delivered as affordable to meet the funds criteria?

No, properties do not have to be delivered as affordable housing to meet the funding criteria. However, schemes that provide a mix of tenures, including social rent, affordable rent, and other affordable home ownership options, are likely to score more highly during assessment.

We recognise that, in some areas, scheme viability may depend on the inclusion of market housing, particularly in higher-value locations. As such, a balanced approach to tenure mix will be considered when evaluating proposals.

Does the funding have to be re-paid?

No, the funding does not need to be repaid and is not a loan or finance facility. The funding is provided as capital grant funding and will be paid in arrears to successful schemes, subject to the agreed funding conditions and delivery milestones.

Can I apply for other funding with the Combined Authority for the same scheme, if I have received Brownfield Funding?

Yes, you can apply for multiple funding streams through the Combined Authority for the same scheme, including where Brownfield Funding has already been secured.

We recognise that brownfield developments can be complex and may require a range of funding sources to become viable and deliverable. As such, applications that combine different Combined Authority funding streams may be considered where this helps unlock development.

We also encourage applicants to explore co-funding opportunities with other public sector organisations and private sector investors to maximise scheme delivery and value for money.

My scheme is already part of the Homes England Housing Pipeline. Can I still apply for the Brownfield Housing Fund?

Yes. Schemes that are part of the Homes England and Combined Authority housing pipeline are still eligible to apply for the Brownfield Housing Fund.

However, you will need to submit a new application specifically for the Brownfield Housing Fund, as we require information that is unique to this funding programme and may not have been provided through the existing housing pipeline process.

The Brownfield Housing Fund is designed to complement, rather than replace, the existing housing pipeline. Where a scheme meets the BHF criteria, we may prioritise Brownfield Housing Fund support over other Combined Authority housing funding streams.

As the fund is intended to unlock stalled brownfield sites, a successful application may enable a scheme to progress without further intervention. In these circumstances, the scheme may no longer need to remain within the housing pipeline once the barriers to delivery have been resolved.