With private rents in Cheshire increasing at record speed, L&Q is offering local renters a way to break the cycle of rising costs with a collection of Rent to Buy homes at Earlsbrook in Delamere. Here, rents are set at around 20% below the local market rate to help households save for homeownership.

According to the Office for National Statistics, average private rents in Cheshire saw a 7.1% annual increase in December 2025 from the previous year, outpacing the wider North West’s rental growth of 6.1%*. As monthly costs continue to rise, saving for a deposit is becoming increasingly challenging for many renters in the region.

To help address this, L&Q has launched 52 three to five-bedroom homes at Earlsbrook through the government-backed Rent to Buy scheme, designed to help aspiring homeowners save while they rent. Available exclusively through the scheme, the homes offer rents set at approximately 80% of the local market rate, enabling residents to put money aside towards a future deposit.

The scheme opens the door to homeownership for those who have been priced out of the market, providing them with the opportunity to build a secure future for themselves and their families.

Andrea Palmer, Head of Intermediate Rent at L&Q, comments: “Rents across Cheshire are rising faster than many households can keep up with, making it increasingly difficult for people to save for a deposit while renting. Rent to Buy is designed to tackle that challenge head on, by offering homes at around 20% below the local market rate so residents can put money aside each month. At Earlsbrook in Delamere, we’re giving customers a more affordable monthly rent alongside the chance to save, and a realistic route towards homeownership without the pressure to buy before they’re ready.”

Tenancies usually run for a fixed period of up to five years, giving renters time to build savings. At the end of the tenancy, residents may choose to buy the home they are renting, purchase outright or through Shared Ownership after an initial 5 years.  

Applicants must be in full-time employment, meet affordability requirements and have the intention to buy a home in the future, with eligibility assessed as part of the application process.

Located on the historic site of the former Marley Tile factory and bordering Delamere Forest, Earlsbrook combines rural living with strong transport connections. Residents benefit from open green spaces, a children’s play area and easy access to Delamere railway station, with direct links to Manchester and Chester.

Inside, each home features contemporary interiors and integrated appliances, whilst externally homes are complete with private outdoor spaces and allocated parking.

Homes have access to the Cheshire countryside and are also close to everyday amenities and transport links. Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s superstores are all a 20-minute drive away from the development, whilst the Vale Royal Abbey Arms, a traditional pub known for its hearty meals, is less than 1.5 miles away.

For those who enjoy connecting with nature, homes at the development are moments from the 972 hectares of woodland at Delamere Forest, providing the perfect spot for walking, cycling, and exploring the nearby nature. The forest is also home to the Delamere Forest Café, a family-run local favourite.

Earlsbrook is just a 5-minute walk from Delamere Railway Station, which sits on the Mid Cheshire Line, providing direct hourly services to both Manchester Piccadilly and Chester.

Families will benefit from Earlsbrook’s proximity to quality schools, including Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Delamere Church of England Primary Academy, just a 4-minute drive from L&Q’s homes. For secondary education, Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College is situated 6 miles away.

Homes will be allocated in line with Homes England’s first come first serve policy.

Rental prices for a three-bedroom home start from £952 PCM (minimum household income of £33,000 required). Please note minimum income requirements should be used as a guide and can vary depending on a household’s circumstances and financial commitments. The minimum income is based on a joint application and the minimum income for a single application may be higher.

For more information and to register your interest, visit https://lqhomes.com/earlsbrook/