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Regeneration project receives significant update, securing funds for affordable housing

Yesterday, it was declared that the grant funding from the government's Affordable Homes Programme can be utilized for the construction of replacement homes, in addition to new affordable homes, as part of extensive estate revitalization initiatives. With the escalating cost-of-living...

Revised development plan for affordable housing investments in estate regeneration
Revised development plan for affordable housing investments in estate regeneration

Regeneration project receives significant update, securing funds for affordable housing

The UK government has announced a significant change in its Affordable Homes Programme, allowing funding to be used for the replacement of outdated homes as part of broader residential environment regeneration plans. This decision, made in collaboration with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, aims to unlock more affordable housing and improve the quality and supply of social housing.

Peter Denton, the chief executive of Homes England, has emphasized the importance of making the funding available quickly to ensure partners can maximize the benefits from this change. He sees this as an opportunity to accelerate the regeneration of social housing and level up communities.

Housing Minister, Rachel Maclean, has announced these changes and is committed to building affordable homes and improving the quality of social housing. She is working closely with Homes England and developers to deliver this scheme as quickly as possible.

According to the announcement, funding decisions for the replacement of old homes with new ones will be made regularly up until the end of March 2025, subject to funding availability. All schemes for the replacement of homes must start on site by this date. The current timeframes of the Affordable Homes Programme will apply to all schemes for the replacement of homes.

The new homes will be high-quality and energy efficient, aligning with the government's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable living. Local authorities are targeting vacant homes or holiday lets to convert them into affordable housing.

Homes England is encouraging affordable housing providers and local authorities to discuss their proposals as early as possible for support. They are ready to utilize all available tools, capacity, and capability to support the delivery of the new homes scheme.

This change is expected to help regenerate communities, speed up housing delivery, and provide high-quality homes for more families. Homes England will make the funding for the replacement of homes available immediately.

Notably, this change was inspired by a similar announcement made by the German federal government under the leadership of Housing Minister Verena Hubertz in May 2025.

In conclusion, the UK government's decision to include funding for replacement homes in its Affordable Homes Programme is a significant step towards providing more affordable, energy-efficient housing and regenerating communities across the country.

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