The Regulator of Social Housing has published the results of its quarterly survey of private registered providers’ financial health, covering the period from 1 April to 30 June 2026 today (Thursday 3 September 2026).
Investment in the sector remains robust, with landlords able to access the funding needed to support investment in new and existing homes. A total of £4.3bn was raised in the quarter, including £2.2bn worth of bank lending.
Investment in existing homes remained strong, with spending on repairs and maintenance reaching £2.4 billion in the quarter. Expenditure on repairs and maintenance over the past 12 months totalled £9.7 billion and forecast spend in the next 12 months is expected to reach £11.1bn.
Investment in new homes saw a slight reduction in the quarter to £3.1 billion, while total 12-month forecast development increased to £16.0 billion. This includes £5.1 billion relating to uncommitted development, a 16% increase from the previous forecast and the highest level in three years.
There were further reductions to cash interest cover (excluding sales but including grant in respect of capitalised major repairs), which stood at 59% in the quarter to June 2026, driven mainly by annual costs paid in the quarter. Recovery in margins and interest cover continues to be slower than previously forecast.
The Social and Affordable Homes Programme, rent convergence, and targeted building safety funding are intended to support long-term investment and promote greater regulatory certainty for landlords. RSH will continue to monitor financial performance and engage with the financially weakest providers to assess how they are managing their financial risk.
Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said:
“As the operating environment continues to evolve, landlords should ensure their plans adapt to emerging opportunities and changes in regulation.
“It is vital that landlords understand and actively manage any additional risks, identify potential liquidity and covenant pressures at an early stage, and maintain robust contingency plans to support their long-term financial resilience.”