An update on our development, sales and lettings activity
The number of affordable homes within our programme has increased by 19 compared with 2019/20. This reflects the confidence to advance opportunities and develop partnerships with rural communities.
Our positive relationship with Homes England and the ability to secure grant continues to serve us well. We were pleased to see some greater flexibilities introduced during the year in relation to grant, which included funding the first social rented homes in around a decade.
This ability to offer homes at lower rent levels is relevant to our purpose and delivers wider value to residents and the public purse.
During the year, our development team continued to keep under review the standard of homes provided and this is reflected in our refreshed development strategy. English Rural’s good reputation has relied on quality and beautiful homes being provided through community partnerships. Increased emphasis on design and environmental standards will advance this further.
We will continue to focus growth in existing areas of our operation, but where opportunities emerge outside of these with a good business case, these will also be considered.
We will also partner with other like-minded rural housing associations to advance our purpose. For example, this includes acting as a development agent for our subsidiary NFVHA, and partnering with other local housing associations.
Our development programme continues to feature a moderate element of sales activity, including a small proportion of market sale homes built through our subsidiary ER Homes Ltd.
Demand for these homes remains strong, driven by the buoyant rural property market in the areas where English Rural is active.
