Hightown (based in Hertfordshire) is the fastest growing Housing Association in England, according to the top 50 biggest builders list by Inside Housing magazine (the social housing sector’s trade publication).
In the last financial year (April 2021 – March 2022), Hightown Housing Association delivered 610 new affordable homes in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, increasing its total stock by 7.8% to 7,815.
Despite having the lowest total number of homes in Inside Housing’s top 50 biggest builders list, the housing association continues to punch well above its weight and is the UK’s 29th biggest builder of affordable homes. Hightown is also 27th in the top 50 list for number of homes to be built this financial year (2022/23).
Around half of the new homes built last year were houses and half flats. 25% of the new homes were for shared ownership and 75% for rent. In total, Hightown built 448 new affordable homes for rent, 153 homes for shared ownership and nine homes for rent for supported housing. 90% of the new homes were built on brownfield sites.
Despite the pandemic and other challenges, the Association has built over 1,000 new affordable homes in the last two years and plans to build a further 1,000 affordable homes over the next two years. Hightown does not develop for open market sale or rent.
David Bogle, chief executive at Hightown Housing Association, said:
“Being named in this list of biggest builders is recognition that Hightown is growing quickly to address the shortage of affordable housing for local people and families who have been priced out of the market. Around 38% of our lettings went to homeless households, delivering a social impact and helping to tackle the housing crisis.
“Not only does our development activity help people in housing need, it also benefits the wider community, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”