Our credentials

During the downturn, we have continued to invest in developing new homes. Housing Associations have had a key part to play in ensuring the continued viability of the home building industry.  We have worked closely with developers, taking on more affordable homes. The Homes and Communities Agency has supported us in this. In December 2008, we entered into 12 contracts to deliver 247 new homes, helping our partners to keep their programmes on track, and retain their skilled teams.

We have extensive experience in providing a range of products, including DIYSO, Open Market HomeBuy, New Build HomeBuy, Rent to HomeBuy, HomeBuy Resales, Mortgage Rescue and Keyworker schemes. We provide agency services for a number of registered social landlords.

Our track record

Our development team has a strong reputation – locally, regionally and nationally.

Locally

We regularly appear on local authorities’ preferred partner panels, and are often re-selected when panels are re-appointed. One of our key strengths is asset management: we are skilled at helping to realise the potential of local authority housing schemes that other associations regard as lost causes.

Regionally 

We are expanding our regional presence to provide an increasingly responsive service. We have opened a new office in Swindon, and expanded our operations in Bristol. The Homes and Communities Agency has chosen us to work in partnership with Westcountry Housing as the HomeBuy agent for all of the South West.

Nationally

We are also becoming more influential at a national level. We are acknowledged as experts in regeneration, which has led to our involvement in the Government’s New Deal for Communities programme to help deliver real improvements to people’s lives.

We are taking advantage of new funding available from various sources, including capital markets. We recently issued a bond, giving us access to funding of approximately £175 million. This will secure a firm development programme.