How Many Housing Associations Operate in England in 2025?

Understanding Housing Associations in England

Housing associations are not-for-profit organisations that provide affordable homes across England. They play a key role in social housing, supporting millions with secure, low-cost rentals.

What Are Housing Associations?

Housing associations are social landlords. They offer homes at about 50% of market rents. These homes help low-income families, vulnerable groups, and those in need. They also provide supported housing for older people and others requiring extra care. Their mission is to ensure everyone can afford a quality home.

Number of Housing Associations in 2025

In 2025, over 1,300 housing associations operate in England, according to the National Housing Federation. These organisations manage 2.9 million homes, housing about 6 million people, or 10% of England’s population. They are present in every council area, delivering social rent, Affordable Rent, and shared ownership homes. Fact-check: The National Housing Federation’s 2024 data confirms 1,300+ associations, consistent with the Regulator of Social Housing’s records.

The number of associations has remained stable in recent years. However, their capacity to deliver homes varies. Some are large, managing tens of thousands of properties, while others are small, community-based organisations. For example, the Regulator of Social Housing lists both major providers and niche operators in its 2025 register.

Role and Impact of Housing Associations

Housing associations are critical to England’s housing system. They provide:

• ‍Affordable Homes: Their 2.9 million homes save tenants £9 billion annually, averaging £5,000 per household compared to private rents.‍
• Supported Housing: They manage over 400,000 supported homes, including 300,000 for older people and 115,000 for those with complex needs, easing NHS and care service pressures.‍
• Community Investment: They spend £65 per home on services like job training and community hubs, adding £11.8 billion to the economy yearly and supporting 150,000 jobs.

In 2018/19, housing associations built 45,000 homes, nearly a third of England’s new homes. They aim to build 145,000 affordable homes yearly, including 90,000 for social rent, to meet demand. Heriot-Watt University’s 2018 research for the National Housing Federation supports these targets

Challenges Facing Housing Associations

Housing associations face significant hurdles in 2025:

• ‍Financial Pressures: Rising inflation, energy costs, and decarbonization requirements strain budgets. In 2023, 26% of providers cited financial capacity as their top challenge.‍
• Supported Housing Crisis: Funding cuts since 2010, including a 75% reduction in supported housing budgets, threaten 70,000 homes. One in three providers closed schemes in 2023 due to costs. Fact-check: National Audit Office and National Housing Federation data verify this.‍
• Policy Shifts: The shift to Affordable Rent (up to 80% of market rates) since 2011 has reduced social rent homes. Only 15% of new affordable homes in 2022/23 were for social rent. ‍
• Regulatory Demands: New rules, like Awaab’s Law and stricter energy efficiency standards (EPC rating C by 2030), add costs. Fact-check: Government consultations (2025) outline these requirements.

Demand and the Housing Crisis

Demand for social housing is high. In 2024, 1.33 million households were on waiting lists, up 3% from 2023, per Shelter. London’s lists include 336,366 households, with waits for family-sized homes exceeding 100 years in some areas. Over 164,000 children live in temporary accommodation, doubling since 2012, per Ministry of Housing data. Building 90,000 social homes yearly could add £51.2 billion to the economy, per the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

Government and Sector Responses

In 2025, the government pledged £2 billion to build 18,000 new homes, half for social rent, per Ministry of Housing announcements. Charities like Crisis and Shelter push for 90,000 social homes yearly. This could support 140,000 jobs in year one. Proposed solutions include:

• Increase funding for social rent homes.
• Reform Right to Buy to protect stock.
• Relax council borrowing rules.
• Fund energy efficiency upgrades.

Why This Matters

Over 1,300 housing associations support 6 million people in 2025. Yet, challenges like funding cuts limit their ability to meet demand. Understanding their role helps readers push for change. Visit Shelter England or the Ministry of Housing for more details. Contact your local council to explore housing options.