Housing associations failing to build homes

house building essex colchester

David Orr, Chief executive of the National Housing Federation recently said, ‘The election didn’t make any difference to the underlying fact that we hadn’t built enough new homes,’  ‘We had not focused sufficiently on regeneration; unless we start doing both of these things very quickly we will not be able to house our children.’

Housing associations are not keeping up with private housebuilders who are forging ahead with new projects, last year in England according to reports, private housebuilders started building works on 115,000 new homes whereas housing associations managed just 23,300. Given that 1,500 such associations exist, that means they are each building on average just 15 homes a year. Social housing is just not getting built, even through better times such as 2007/8, housing associations lagged  behind both private and council sector house building.

Channel 4 news in a forthcoming investigation highlights the extravagant salaries that  housing association executives are paid for just managing their stock of properties, which in many cases were given to them on a plate.

It would appear that housing associations are less entrepreneurial than private housebuilders, that is no surprise when executives can earn a high salary for just managing rather than building, there appears to be no incentive for them to stretch themselves any further.

 

 

 

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Roller Garage Doors: 7 Essential Buying Tips.

Roller garage doors vary in quality, design, and the components used. Recognising these variations is essential when making a purchase, as it ensures you choose a product that provides long-term benefits. Here are seven key factors to consider: 1. Environmental Impact For superior insulation, sectional garage doors may be a better option, even though roller…
Read More
Breaking News

Glenigan Construction Index: Pockets of regional resilience, do little to offset faltering confidence

The value of underlying work starting on-site during the three months to February decreased 6% and remained 17% below 2024 levels as activity remains relatively stagnant Lowered expectations on economic recovery dent residential construction, with starts down 10% on the preceding three months, slashed by 14% against 2024 figures Non-residential project starts decreased 2% against…
Read More
Home and Living

How to Create a Stylish and Comfortable Home Office

Creating a stylish and comfortable home office is essential for productivity and well-being. Here are key considerations to design a workspace that is both functional and inspiring:​D 1. Select an Appropriate Location Choose a quiet area in your home with minimal distractions. If a separate room isn’t available, consider converting a nook or unused space…
Read More
Breaking News

Zoopla Rental Market Report: Rents rising at lowest level for 3.5 years

Upcoming reforms in the rental market will limit new investment and the number of homes for rent Rents rising at lowest level for 3.5 years as Zoopla warns upcoming rental reforms will continue to limit rental supply   Average UK rents for new lets are three per cent higher over the last year, down from…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Commonhold White Paper – Thoughts from the Industry

The sale of new leasehold flats in England and Wales is to be banned under Labour’s plan to end the  ‘feudal’ system. Labour wants to switch to Scotland’s commonhold system There are around 5 million leaseholders in England and Wales. Under commonhold, each flat owner would own the freehold of their home, but also have…
Read More
Breaking News

Greenpeace Ruling Exposes UK Government Policy

In January 2025, Greenpeace brought a collective action against the Dutch state for failing to comply with a 2018 European Court of Justice ruling on nutrient neutrality. An appeal is expected: however, as the UK Government has adopted the same ‘tax builders for pollution others cause’ approach to reducing nutrient pollution, it may find itself…
Read More