RSH publishes annual stats

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published its annual statistics about the social housing sector.

The figures show that the sector provides around 4.5 million homes across England, with a net increase of nearly 38,000 social homes since 2024.

This has been driven by an increase of roughly 28,000 in Affordable Rent homes and around a 13,900 increase in low cost home ownership homes. There was also a decrease of just over 4,100 social rent homes. 

The data shows that private registered providers had a net gain of nearly 2,900 social rent homes. Local authorities saw a decrease of around 7,000 social rent homes - this is likely to be primarily driven by right to buy sales and other schemes.

It was also revealed that private registered providers built, purchased or acquired the majority of new homes in the sector, accounting for 83% of the total increase in Affordable Rent and 98 per cent for low cost home ownership properties.

83 per cent of social homes in England are general needs (social rent and Affordable Rent), while supported housing makes up 11 per cent and low cost home ownership 6 per cent.

When it comes to energy efficiency, 75 per cent of homes had an energy efficiency certificate rating of EPC-C or above, an increase from 71 per cent in 2024. 19 per cent had a rating of EPC-D.

Will Perry, director of strategy at RSH, said: “This analysis is key to our understanding of the sector overall and the ongoing economic challenges it faces.  

“It is part of our work to support social landlords to provide safe, decent homes for current and future tenants, including those currently on waiting lists. 

“It is positive to see providers investing in building new homes, as well as understanding their existing homes better. Without accurate, up-to-date data, landlords cannot make the right strategic decisions on the condition of their homes and other issues, or manage risk properly.”