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Affordable Homes

Future Homes Standard Delay: Balancing Short-Term Relief with Long-Term Strategy

The delay to the Future Homes Standard to 2028 has provided short-term flexibility for developers, but it also raises important long-term considerations for the sector. The transition towards low-carbon housing remains inevitable. Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important, both in terms of affordability for residents and long-term asset performance for investors. For housing providers,...

New Towns Programme: Unlocking Long-Term Housing Delivery at Scale

The government’s commitment to a new generation of settlements through the New Towns Programme represents a major shift in how housing is planned and delivered across England. With developments expected to deliver thousands of homes alongside infrastructure, the programme signals a return to long-term, strategic placemaking. Each new settlement is designed to integrate housing with transport,...

Affordable Housing Delivery: Navigating Constraints and Unlocking Opportunity

Delivering affordable housing at scale remains one of the sector’s most pressing challenges. While demand continues to grow, supply is constrained by planning delays, construction costs, and capacity pressures across the industry. The Affordable Homes Programme provides long-term funding certainty, but funding alone is not enough to unlock delivery. A more integrated and coordinated approach is...

Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) 2026–2036

The UK Government has confirmed details of the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) 2026–2036, setting out a ten-year plan to fund the delivery of new affordable homes across England. Administered by Homes England, the programme represents one of the most significant long-term commitments to affordable housing in recent years. With £27.3 billion of funding confirmed, including bridge...

Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to boost housebuilding while shielding tenants

Scotland’s Parliament has passed the Housing (Scotland) Bill, representing one of the most consequential reforms of housing law in a generation. The Bill seeks to balance the dual aims of accelerating homebuilding while strengthening tenant protections, particularly in the private rented sector. As it moves from legislation into implementation, stakeholders across housing, development and investment...

Development Value for Money (DVfM) 2024/25 Annual Report

The Development Value for Money (DVfM) 2024/25 Annual Report, published by Scotland’s Housing Network, offers a detailed picture of affordable housing delivery across Scotland. The report covers 52 projects completed by 21 landlords. Furthermore, the analysis reflects on costs, funding, quality, and timescales from developments that together provided 1,505 new homes. While there is clear evidence of...

The Role of Institutional Investment in Unlocking Affordable Housing at Scale

As the UK’s housing crisis continues to deepen, delivering good-quality, affordable homes is becoming ever more urgent, yet increasingly difficult. Demand far exceeds supply, and despite strong intent across sectors, funding gaps, planning delays, and viability challenges continue to hold back delivery. Institutional capital has a critical role to play in helping bridge this divide. But to succeed,...

Scotland’s Housing Market: 2024 Overview and Policy Developments

The Scottish Government’s latest quarterly housing statistics, covering the year ending December 2024, reveal notable trends in housing completions, new build starts, and affordable housing supply. Key Findings: Total Housing Completions: 19,797 homes were completed, marking a 7% decrease (1,441 fewer homes) compared to the previous year. New Build Starts: 15,050 new homes commenced...

£2 Billion Boost for Affordable Housing: What It Means

The UK government has announced an additional £2 billion in grant funding for affordable housing, aiming to deliver 18,000 new homes and support the national target of 1.5 million homes within this parliamentary term. This investment is a significant step toward addressing the ongoing housing crisis and creating more opportunities for affordable homeownership and rental options. The Benefits of the...

The Importance of Tenant Engagement in Shaping Housing Association Services

Tenant engagement is a key factor in delivering effective and sustainable housing services. When housing associations actively involve residents in decision-making, they create stronger, more responsive communities where services align with real tenant needs. By prioritising engagement, housing providers can improve service delivery, build trust, and create more inclusive neighbourhoods. Enhancing...