Pre-fabricated homes will help meet the demand for affordable rented housing

China National Building Material Company (CNBM) has become the latest player to be involved in helping to resolve the UK housing crisis, they will be involved in a joint venture with a leading UK housing association, Your Housing Group (YHG) and a renewable energy supplier, Welink, their plan is to build six prefabricated home factories that will create 25,000 low-energy dwellings a year.

The intention is to to meet the enormous demand in the UK for affordable rented housing, the deal has been praised by the UK’s Department for International Trade. State-owned CNBM will invest £2.5bn in the venture, and housing association YHG will supply £250m, according to a report in the magazine Inside Housing.

According to the announcement 25,000 homes a year will be produced by 2022, five pilot schemes are planned to deliver 2,000 homes next year, the panels for these homes will be supplied by Barcelona Housing Systems, a Spanish manufacturer, the first scheme will be in Liverpool and is expected to receive planning permission in January.

Ajmal Rahman, chairman of Welink Group, reportedly said: “Our partnership comes at a time when the UK’s housing shortfall is only going to be addressed by radical innovation in building practices which opens the way for modular housing.

“This joint venture will give a significant kick-start to delivering the new homes people need across the UK which includes helping to address fuel poverty issues through our incorporated solar and energy efficient design – meaning our developments can be at least 75% off-grid. Furthermore, British produced light gauge steel framing will help keep our carbon footprint to a minimum.”

 

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

Letting Agent Talk

Advice for London landlords and tenants ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation

Phase one of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) comes into force on 1 May 2026, and with it brings about the most significant overhaul of the private rental sector in a generation. While the Act will see new responsibilities introduced, it will also offer an opportunity for landlords to strengthen their practices with a clear…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Budget-friendly ways to boost your chances of a successful spring house sale

With many households feeling the pressure of changing global economic conditions, tighter finances, and the high costs associated with moving, such as Stamp Duty, legal fees and removals, selling a home can currently feel like challenge. At the same time, spring traditionally brings a surge in buyer activity. Longer days and better weather tend to encourage more viewings,…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Expert Reacts To Renters’ Rights Act Ahead of Changes This Week

The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force this week (1st May), introducing major reforms to tenancy structures, eviction rules, and tenant protections across England. The changes will reshape how landlords manage properties and how tenants experience private renting, with significant implications for student private rentals and the wider rental market. Ahead of implementation, Owen Dixon,…
Read More
Breaking News

52% of buyers are cash purchasers – and they’re ready to move

New research from LRG reveals that sellers entering the spring market are meeting an unusually large pool of cash-ready buyers, many of whom aren’t constrained by affordability, but by a lack of suitable homes. According to LRG’s Spring 2026 Sales Report, based on a survey of 307 buyers and sellers across England and Wales, more than…
Read More
for sale sign london
Breaking News

Landlords sell up as Renters’ Rights prove final straw

Leading Kent and London law firm Thackray Williams have had a wave of last-minute instructions from landlords looking to sell their portfolios ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force this Friday. The litigation team has been instructed to seek possession by landlords wishing to sell their entire buy-to-let portfolios, as well as last-minute…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 27/4/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Will AI change the way we search on property portals? Thought Leadership by Andrew Stanton, CEO Proptech-PR Rightmove: the UK’s most profitable proptech Rightmove is widely seen as the UK’s most profitable proptech, generating £300m+ annually with operating margins around 70%. Even with slight recent…
Read More