Orbit, one of the UK’s leading housing groups, has launched a major procurement programme worth an estimated £1.6 billion, inviting expressions of interest for organisations to help deliver long-term investment in customers’ homes across the Midlands, East and South of England.
The housing association has published Tender Notices through the UK Government’s Find a Tender Service for two linked programmes covering property investment, building safety and compliance services.
The largest programme, valued at around £1.4 billion over 15 years, will appoint a small number of dedicated regional partners to deliver planned improvements, building safety remediation, major projects and energy efficiency upgrades across Orbit’s homes.
A second programme, valued at £150 million to £200 million over 10 years, will appoint specialist compliance partners to deliver essential home safety services, including fire, asbestos, electrical, water and lifts and lifting equipment.
This is planned investment, consistent with Orbit’s 2030 Strategy and its long term financial plans, and part of its ongoing commitment to improving the safety, quality and sustainability of customers’ homes. In line with the Procurement Act 2023, the published figures represent the total estimated value of the contracts over their full terms.
The procurements represent a significant shift in how Orbit works with contractors and suppliers, moving from shorter-term arrangements to long-term regional partnerships designed to support sustained investment, innovation and improved customer outcomes.
Orbit is seeking partners that share its commitment to quality, safety and customer service, with customer experience playing a central role in both the procurement process and ongoing contract management. Its ambition is to secure strong value for money alongside quality and innovation, making the most of every pound invested to deliver lasting outcomes for customers and communities.
The property investment programme will be delivered through five regional lots covering Stratford and the South Midlands, Central and East Midlands, East Anglia, Erith and North Kent, and the South Coast. The compliance programme is divided into three regional lots covering Orbit’s homes across the Midlands, East of England and South.
Scott Rutherford, Chief Property and Regeneration Officer at Orbit, said:
“This is one of the most significant investment programmes Orbit has undertaken and reflects our long-term commitment to providing customers with safe, well-maintained and energy-efficient homes.
“We’re looking for ambitious partners who want to build genuine long-term relationships and share our focus on quality and customer experience. By creating longer-term partnerships, we can give organisations the confidence to invest in their people, skills and supply chains, helping us deliver better outcomes for customers and communities.
“We welcome interest from organisations within social housing and beyond, including specialist providers with expertise in home safety and building remediation.”
The programmes are being brought to market in stages. Organisations are now invited to register their interest and complete a questionnaire, with responses due in early September 2026. Orbit will then shortlist and invite bidders to tender, with evaluation and dialogue continuing through 2027.
Both procurements are expected to conclude in 2027, with new contracts commencing in April 2028. The contracts will be awarded in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 and relevant leaseholder consultation requirements.
Organisations interested in participating can find further details via the UK Government’s Find a Tender Service.