Social housing in focus: Charting the road ahead

15 May 2025

The public and social sector is facing a perfect storm of economic pressures, workforce shortages and increasing demand for services - and the UK social housing sector is no exception.

Drawing on the experiences of senior decision makers across the UK social housing sector, Social housing in focus: Charting the road ahead offers diverse perspectives on the risk landscape providers currently face – from stringent regulatory requirements to increased demand for services.

With the number of social-rented households in England exceeding 4.05 million, pressure is mounting on policymakers and social housing providers to meet demand, prompting the UK government to allocate £28bn to the delivery of up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes in the 2025 Spring Statement. However, while our findings indicate that the risks to social housing providers are many, so too are the opportunities.

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80of respondents identified economic challenges as a key risk, including funding uncertainties and high land and build costs.
62highlighted a strategic focus on attracting and retaining key staff as a priority with 88% identifying flexible working as a key incentive.
48of organisations are focussing on driving efficiencies using technology with 61% investing in Artificial intelligence in the next 12 months.

As we navigate the complexities of the social housing sector, this study highlights both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The optimism expressed by many about their own organisations is encouraging, yet the significant concerns around economic challenges, regulatory requirements, and workforce issues cannot be overlooked.

It is clear that investing in advanced technology and supporting employee wellbeing are crucial steps we must take to ensure the resilience and growth of our sector. By addressing these key areas, we can better serve our communities and create a more sustainable future for all.
Helen Knowles Partner - Social Sector Audit

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With almost 40 years of experience partnering with more than 300 housing associations, we are a trusted provider in delivering expert services to the social housing sector. Today’s challenges demand more than just compliance ‒ they call for proactive, strategic solutions to ensure long-term resilience.

Speak to a member of our Social Housing team and discuss how we can support your organisation.