SIGMA, the Edinburgh-based urban regeneration specialist, has agreed a strategic partnership with Grainger, the UK's largest listed residential property owner.

It will give Grainger an exclusive option for an initial four-year term to acquire development opportunities of 100 units or more sourced by Sigma, as part of a large-scale private rented sector portfolio across English cities outside London. Grainger expects to fully own the developments, although in the future it may syndicate its investment to third party investors including Sigma. The Scottish group expects to act as development manager on most projects, earning a profit share on each housing development.

Graham Barnet, chief executive, said the deal was "another milestone development for Sigma".