
The annual Savills Housing Sector Survey, produced in association with Social Housing, revealed that 54% of senior housing professionals see development as a greater priority than maintenance.
However, more than half believed too little is being done to maintain existing homes, compared with 35% in 2017.
Providing social rented homes was the top priority for 84% of respondents – a surge from 65% in last year’s survey.
More than 500 housing association and council bosses were polled for the survey, which Savills said is the most comprehensive of its kind.
Many respondents appeared to have made changes at their organisations, prompted by the Grenfell Tower disaster, with 78% reporting more investment in health and safety compared with two years ago and 59% putting more resources into tenant engagement, up from 34% in 2018.
Robert Grundy, head of housing at Savills Housing Consultancy, said:
“There is more expectation placed on the social housing sector than at any time in recent memory.
“First, pressure on new housing delivery continues in the face of a slowing housing market and the uncertainty of Brexit.
“Along with this – and in the long shadow of the Grenfell tragedy – the Social Housing Green Paper, the Hackitt Review and the likely review of the Decent Homes Standard have led to a sustained focus on health and safety compliance of existing stock.”
The Advantage Home Construction Insurance team works closely with housing associations, providing structural defects warranty for new builds as well as completed or partially completed properties, conversions, renovations and extensions. If you’d like to find out more about the services we provide to social housing associations, call: 0845 900 3969 or email: sales@ahci.co.uk
Related read: Plans to build £150m of new council housing in the South East.
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