RSH publishes annual stock stats

Statistics from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) show that social landlords are continuing to build new homes.

RSH published its annual social housing sector stock and rents statistics.

Returns from all private and local authority registered providers show that the sector provides around 4.5 million homes across England, with a net increase of nearly 34,000 social homes since 2022.

Around 26,000 homes were added for "Affordable Rent".

Local authorities saw a fall of around 9,000 homes for social rent, while private registered providers built, purchased or acquired around 3,000.

The statistics show that private registered providers built, purchased or acquired the majority of new homes in the sector, accounting for 87 per cent of the total increase in Affordable Rent and 98 per cent for low cost home ownership properties.

The results also show that the average increase in general needs (social rent) average weekly net rents was 4.1 per cent between 31 March 2022 and 31 March 2023 (in line with the limit set for 2022/23).

Will Perry, director of strategy at RSH, said: "Our statistics for 2022/23 show that the sector continues to build and acquire much-needed new social homes across the country.

"These data are a really important reference point for registered providers and anyone who wants to understand the key trends in the sector over the past year. It is essential that providers continue to have good quality data to inform their strategic decision making, especially around rents and the condition of homes."

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