In the last year (April 2022 – March 2023), Hightown Housing Association delivered 530 much-needed affordable homes in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire for people who are unable to buy or rent on the open market.
The homes include 350 for affordable and social rent (allocated by councils to those in housing need), 15 rent to buy and 165 shared ownership homes, which provide affordable ways for aspiring homeowners to get on the housing ladder. 54% of the new homes were houses and 46% were flats. 165 of the homes were built on Hightown's own developments.
Despite rising inflation and interest rates, Hightown has built over 1,000 new affordable homes in the last two years and has a strong development programme going forward for the next three years, which is likely to see the Association reach 10,000 homes as a social landlord.
Hightown celebrated a special milestone in November after delivering its 8,000th home, at their Whippendell Marine development, in Watford. At the end of 2022/23, Hightown's housing stock totalled 8,345 homes.
A recent report by the National Housing Federation revealed that 2 million children (1 in 6) in England are living in an overcrowded home, highlighting the urgent need to build more affordable homes. Hightown is growing quickly to tackle the housing crisis and continues to be one of the fastest growing housing associations in the country. Around 49% of Hightown's lettings in 2022/23 went to homeless households, well above the sector average.
David Bogle, Chief Executive at Hightown Housing Association, said:
"Given the current economic challenges, I am delighted that Hightown has continued to deliver good quality, affordable new homes in our core areas of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire over the past year.
"During the cost-of-living crisis, the need for good quality, safe, affordable housing for local people and families who are priced out of the market is more important than ever. I'm particularly pleased that we have housed many people who were homeless and moved families out of temporary accommodation and into permanent and secure tenancies at below market rent. We are committed to doing all we can to help end the homelessness and housing crisis.
"Our continuing growth is thanks to the hard work and commitment of our staff, partners, funders, and the consultants and contractors who support them."
