Platform Housing Group has reported strong operational performance for the year ending 31 March 2026, including its highest number of new home completions in more than five years and record low customer arrears.
The housing association completed 1380 affordable homes during the year – a 33 per cent increase on the previous year – as it continued investing in new housing to help tackle growing demand across the Midlands.
The new homes included properties for social rent, affordable rent, rent to buy and shared ownership, with all homes delivered as affordable tenures. More than 40 per cent of the new homes were built with solar PV panels and around a third had the highest EPC rating of ‘A’.
Platform also started work on a further 1556 homes during the year, all of which will be completed without gas heating systems, maintaining a strong and sustainable development pipeline for future delivery.
At the same time, the organisation recorded its lowest ever arrears level at two per cent, reflecting continued focus on customer support and financial resilience.
Alongside this investment in new homes, Platform continued investing heavily in existing homes and services, including component replacement, decarbonisation and improvements to housing quality. Customer satisfaction increased for the fourth consecutive year, rising to 85 per cent.
The organisation’s latest trading update highlights the ongoing financial and operational pressures facing the housing sector, including rising maintenance costs, investment requirements linked to safety and sustainability and wider economic uncertainty.
Rosemary Farrar, Chief Financial Officer at Platform Housing Group said: “This past year has presented a very challenging operating environment for housing associations with increasing cost pressures, changing regulatory expectations and wider economic uncertainty affecting both customers and organisations alike. This has put pressure on our financial metrics which we have managed carefully.
“Despite this, we have continued to invest significantly in both existing homes and new affordable housing while maintaining a strong financial position. Our focus remains on improving the quality of our homes and services at the same time, strengthening our data and systems in order to ensure we are well placed to meet future challenges.
“We have consciously stepped-up investment in our existing homes, including maintenance and sustainability works, because we know how important safe, warm and good quality homes are for our customers and communities.”
Platform reported turnover growth of 2.9 per cent to £385.3 million during the year, with social housing lettings turnover increasing by 6.3 per cent.
Demand for shared ownership homes also remained strong, with robust enquiry and reservation levels across Platform’s operating areas.
Rosemary continued: “We continue to invest in much needed affordable homes, with delivery up by a third this year as previous starts on site begin to translate into completions. All 1380 homes were affordable tenures, helping meet significant housing need across our communities.
“At the same time, we remain focused on improving customer experience through our localities model and continued investment in our services, homes and systems.”
Platform further strengthened its financial position during the fourth quarter through new debt facilities totalling £100 million, helping maintain strong liquidity levels and support future investment plans.
The organisation currently owns and manages more than 51,000 homes across the Midlands.