An update on our development, sales and lettings activity
This year, we've made exciting progress in expanding our community, marking one of the most active periods of growth for English Rural in over a decade. We're thrilled to have completed 20 affordable rural homes and started work on another 63. These homes are not just buildings; they're secure, affordable homes, bringing life and vitality to our rural areas.
A standout achievement this year was our first collaboration with a Community Land Trust. This partnership, supported by Homes England, is a testament to our shared vision of accessible rural housing. It's more than just construction; it's about strengthening community ties and enhancing the quality of life in our neighbourhoods.
Our new Development Strategy focuses on building high-quality rural homes, considering not just the aesthetics but also your comfort and our environmental responsibilities. A highlight has been our first-ever 'A' rated homes, designed to minimise energy use and costs from the ground up, using sustainable materials and renewable energy sources.
ER Homes Ltd, our subsidiary, plays a crucial role in this vision. Through its sales programme, it has reinvested £168k back into our community, supporting the financial viability of our affordable homes. Our diverse range of housing options – from social rent to market sales – ensures we cater to the varied needs of rural communities.
Despite challenges such as rising construction costs and borrowing rates, we remain committed to our development goals. We're adapting our approaches to procurement and cost management to ensure we can continue to build and sustain our community.
Looking ahead, we're excited about the 55 homes set for completion in 2023/24 and the 100 more in our development pipeline. These figures represent more than numbers; they symbolise our dedication to growing our rural communities and creating spaces where everyone can feel at home.
…with a further 100 homes in the development pipeline.
