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Headshot of Maggie. She is wearing glasses and has short hair
Blog

Rural affordable housing: why investment and delivery matter

NHF Chair Maggie Galliers shares the importance of the vital work housing associations do, and how they play a key role in delivering homes and supporting communities across the country.
Bethan Buck
Blog

Developing a unified message for the social housing sector

Take part in NHF’s sector‑wide workshops to shape how we talk about social housing and the value housing associations bring.
 
Rural housing view
Resource

Rural Housing Week 2025

Rural Housing Week 2025 took place 7-11 July at a significant moment for the sector in the wake of several important housing announcements.
Polling station
Resource

Local elections 2026

We've put together a toolkit to support you with engagement in the upcoming local elections. 
Jess Mullins, Head of Member Relations, National Housing Federation
Blog

Why the outlook for building a new generation of social and affordable homes is looking brighter

With the first grants from the Social and Affordable Homes Programme due next month, NHF Head of Member Relations Jess Mullins explains why our own member supply survey is so important.
Homes under construction
Resource

National Planning Policy Framework consultation and next phase of planning reform

Read the NHF response to the government's proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system.
Rural view
Resource

English devolution and rural affordable housing: opportunities and risks

Research funded by the NHF together with members and other key rural stakeholders demonstrates how devolution in England can, with political leadership and collaboration, help to deliver the affordable homes that rural communities need.
The pointed roof of a house being constructed
Update

Government launches Social and Affordable Homes Programme prospectuses

Across these documents, the government encourages strong, ambitious bids and highlights the importance of supported, rural and community-led housing.
Photo of Kirsty McGivney
Blog

How is the stock condition survey standard for social housing landlords progressing?

RICS and the NHF are working towards developing a standardised stock condition survey for the UK's social housing sector. This would support a sector-wide approach to collecting information about the condition of homes.
Sandbags piled up against the front door to a residental property, protecting the home from the surrounding flood water.
Resource

Quality and sustainability of rural homes

During this webinar we explored some of the challenges for existing homes, including flood risk and damp and mould, how new and existing homes can be designed to better withstand these, and the wider impact of climate change.
Profile photo of Sarah Robson
Blog

The advantages of place-based housing approaches when developing in rural communities

As part of our 2021-2026 strategic partnership with Homes England, we committed to delivering over 220 new homes in rural communities. It’s been far from a walk in the park but we met that target and have learnt some valuable lessons along the way.
A mother and a child holding hands in the park
Resource

Solving the housing crisis in rural areas

During  the first webinar of Rural Housing Week 2025, we explored what needs to change to ensure we are building the homes rural communities need, and how the government’s long-term housing strategy and other policy initiatives can help to achieve more positive outcomes for people living in rural areas.
Photo of Aileen Edmunds
Blog

Why we need to act now on rural affordable housing

New research confirms that the rural housing crisis is being driven by a combination of high land costs, under-resourced planning systems, funding gaps, and crucially, inconsistent community engagement.
Rural housing view
Resource

Rural Affordable Housing Briefing

Watch this webinar to learn about the scale of the housing crisis in rural areas and the policies that can help these communities.
Areal view of village and sky above it
Resource

Rural Housing Week 2024

Rural Housing Week 2024 took place in the run up to the general election and focused on why rural communities need the next government to commit to a long-term plan for housing.
Tara Gbolade is Co-Director of Gbolade Design Studio, and Sustainable and Regenerative design expert
Blog

New towns must be regenerative

Tara writes about why the government's upcoming long-term housing strategy represents an opportunity to be bold. 
Headshot of Dr Wei Yang
Blog

Housing the changing society

The housing crisis is not just about quantity - it’s about quality, accessibility, and sustainability. A long-term housing strategy needs to address the complex interplay between housing, health and well-being, climate action, and economic growth.
Martin rural
Blog

Affordable rural homes: a pathway to revitalising our countryside

Martin Collett explains the crisis facing rural housing in England and the importance of ensuring everyone in rural communities can access a decent, affordable home.
Smiling workmen in overalls are greeted by a couple
Press Release

NHF publishes new report on ‘making every contact count’ with residents

New NHF report shows how social landlords are making the most of every engagement with their residents to drive positive change to the condition of their homes, services and health and wellbeing.
IRFAN UMARJI , Executive Director of Finance and Business Services at the National Housing Federation
Blog

How the NHF is developing its new business strategy

NHF Director of Finance and Business Services, Irfan Umarji, outlines his role in helping to produce our new five-year business strategy. He also explains how members can get involved by providing the feedback and insight that will help shape it.
Rory Weal
Blog

The new government’s approach to tackling homelessness must reflect the diversity of England’s communities

By empowering communities to prioritise inclusion and tackle social problems together, we can ensure no one is homeless or left behind. 
Rural view
Resource

Why rural communities need a long-term plan for housing

Taking place during Rural Housing Week 2024, this webinar explored how the housing crisis impacts rural areas - from the local economy to the people who live and work there.
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani has served as Bishop of Chelmsford since April 2021, and is the lead Bishop for Housing for the Church of England
Blog

Why we need a long-term plan to fix the crisis in rural housing

We can only hope to end the housing crisis through a system-wide approach which takes into account all areas, all tenures, and all parts of our housing system.
Areal view of village and sky above it
Resource

Rural Life Monitor 2024

The housing crisis is often discussed in terms of how many new homes are needed in total but less often in terms of how this looks in different parts of the country.
Houses of Parliament
Resource

2024 election manifestos: party pledges on housing

Dive into the NHF's analysis of the 2024 general election manifestos. Learn about party commitments to solving the housing crisis, from increasing social home delivery to planning Learn about party pledges on social homes, planning reforms, decarbonisation, and building safety.
rural_community_housing
Resource

Rural Housing Week

This year, Rural Housing Week will take place 6-10 July. It is a moment for housing associations, local authorities, rural organisations and community partners to spotlight the vital role affordable housing plays in supporting and sustaining communities in rural areas across England.
Houses of Parliament
Resource

General election campaign impact

Reflect on the political engagement initiatives by the National Housing Federation (NHF) and its members to influence the general election.
Patrick Merton-Jones
Blog

Preparing for Rural Housing Week 2024

Your opportunity to raise awareness of some of the challenges rural communities face, how affordable housing helps, and how, with the right policy interventions, housing associations could be delivering more.
emh team at a home
Resource

emh - Homes for Cathy

Read more about how emh worked to meet the Homes for Cathy commitments and helped tackle homelessness for residents of social housing.
Older woman with iPad
Resource

Change in action: Promoting digital engagement at Ongo

Ongo tell us how they've promoted digital engagement for residents through their Digital Tenants Group.
Rural view
Resource

Rural exception sites could help us build more affordable homes for rural communities

A study has uncovered a striking under-use of Rural Exception Sites across England, crucial for alleviating the rural housing shortage.
Semi-detached houses line a leafy street
Resource

Let's fix the housing crisis: Delivering a long-term plan for housing

This report sets out a dynamic long-term plan for housing.
Cooking at home
Resource

Knowing our Homes

A programme of work developed to establish a shared, standardised approach for gathering and using information about the condition of social homes and about the residents who live in them.
Belinda Eastland, Operations Director at White Horse Housing Association
Blog

Local rural communities show how to deliver affordable homes

Local communities are setting up community land trusts to acquire land and develop housing schemes that really meet local needs and fit in with the local environment.
New homes with a field in front and a forest behind
Resource

Planning – opportunities and obstacles for delivering rural housing

We know that building homes in rural areas is often more challenging, so this webinar, which took place during Rural Housing Week 2023 focused on planning. 
Head and shoulders photo of Kate Henderson
Blog

The shortage of affordable housing in rural areas is hurting communities and the economy

The experience of so many rural communities is a stark example of what happens when the housing market doesn’t meet local needs.
Backpacks on wall in a rural area
Resource

Homelessness – the ‘hidden’ rural crisis

To kick off Rural Housing Week 2023, we hosted a webinar on the 'hidden' homelessness crisis in rural areas.
View of new build homes with a pathway in front of them and a blue sky behind
Press Release

Demand for social homes in rural areas is growing at over 10 times the rate of that in towns and cities

New analysis by the NHF for Rural Housing Week has found that rural households on local authority waiting lists in England increased by 31% between 2019 and 2022, far exceeding the increase in predominantly urban areas of 3%.
A young couple with young children on the sofa
Resource

Why we need a long-term plan for housing (report)

As we look to the next general election, we are calling on the party that forms the next government to be ambitious and transformative in its approach to housing. We want to see a clear long-term plan to meet housing need.
Areal view of village and sky above it
Resource

Rural Housing Week 2023

Rural Housing Week is an annual campaign to shine a spotlight on the vital importance of housing associations for rural communities. The theme for Rural Housing Week 2023 (3-7 July) was 'building a better future for rural communities'.
New flats with a green common area and trees
Update

Government publishes policy paper on nutrient pollution

The government has published a policy paper on its plans to support nutrient neutrality and reduce water pollution at its source through a number of measures.
Backpacks on wall in a rural area
Resource

Research reveals increase in ‘hidden’ homelessness in rural areas

The countryside is battling a ‘hidden homelessness’ crisis driven by soaring housing costs and a shortfall in local authority funding, a new report shows.
Doris Jamieson is a Non-Executive Director of Flagship Group
Blog

The right thing to do – using the Chairs' Challenge to increase diversity of housing association boards

Doris Jamieson, Non-Executive Director of Flagship Group, describes why she is working with her board to take on the challenge to improve EDI.
Wendy Evans - Hendrick
Blog

Reflecting the diverse communities we serve in rural housing

Wendy Evans – Hendrick, Chief Executive of Orwell Housing explains the importance of rural housing associations prioritising EDI to drive progress and represent the diverse communities our sector serves.
Acis Group logo
Resource

Acis Group’s Together with Tenants action plan

Find out how Acis Group have adopted Together with Tenants to help strengthen relationships with residents as part of a commitment towards improving the homes and services they offer.  
Selaine Saxby is Member of Parliament for North Devon
Blog

Levelling up rural communities

Ever since I was elected as MP for remote, rural, coastal North Devon in 2019, my mission has been to find ways to level up the pockets of severe deprivation in my beautiful constituency.
Backpacks on wall in a rural area
Resource

Rural homelessness: England's hidden crisis

This recorded discussion brings together experts from universities, housing associations and charities to explore how we can work together to better support service users and drive down rural homelessness.
Head and shoulders photo of Kate Henderson
Blog

As someone who grew up in the country, levelling up rural communities is close to my heart

It’s crucial that 'levelling up' doesn't just focus on regeneration in our towns and cities, but e also unlocks the huge potential of our rural communities.
Rural housing view
Resource

Our response to the Biodiversity Net Gain Regulations and Implementation consultation

Biodiversity Net Gain will apply to developers seeking planning permission for development and will require that habitats for wildlife are left in a measurably better state than they were in prior to development.
Together with tenants
Resource

Our ambassadors

A list of our Together with Tenants Ambassadors. 
Air source heat pump
Resource

Smaller housing associations and the road to zero carbon (briefing)

This briefing explores the policy context and challenges raised by our smaller members and outlines the support the we can provide on the road to zero carbon.
Homes under construction
Resource

Biodiversity Net Gain Regulations and Implementation consultation briefing

This briefing explores the questions and proposals set out in the government’s Biodiversity Net Gain Regulations and Implementation, published on 11 January 2022.
Photograph of Rory Hughes, a Policy Officer at the National Housing Federation
Blog

What will 2022 hold for our decarbonisation work?

As the energy crisis continues, our work on decarbonisation has a renewed sense of urgency, so it is worth recapping where we have come from and where it is going in the next few months. 
Aerial view of village surrounded by fields
Update

NHF joins steering group to examine rural homelessness

Chaired by English Rural Housing Association, this will be a 12 month collaboration between Kent and Southampton University and several leading homelessness and rural charities, including HomelessLink, the Trussell Trust and the NHF.
An older man in a wheelchair smiles into the camera while a black labrador rests its head in his lap
Resource

Signed up to the Commitment to Refer

List of the organisation signed up to the Commitment to Refer.
Paul Fiddaman - Karbon Homes
Blog

No Place Left Behind: the role housing associations can play in levelling up

Paul Fiddaman, Chief Executive of Karbon Homes, shares his thoughts on the launch of the ‘No Place Left Behind’ commission report.
Rural view
Resource

Committed to rural communities

The Rural Housing Alliance share their revised rural pledge and introduce the Parish Councillors’ Guide to Rural Affordable Housing.
Head and shoulders photo of Kate Henderson
Blog

How are rural housing associations making a long-term commitment to their communities?

Today marks the start of Rural Housing Week, our annual campaign that celebrates the vital work that housing associations do in rural areas.
Photograph of Rory Hughes, a Policy Officer at the National Housing Federation
Blog

Three months into the decarbonisation project - what have we learned?

An update on the National Housing Federation's decarbonisation work.
Smiling people in a meeting room with bottles of water on the table
Resource

Governance questions frequently asked by smaller housing associations – and our answers

Part of our extra governance support for smaller housing associations, available to all members of the National Housing Federation with fewer than 2,000 properties.
Photo of Ulrike Maccariello, Development Director at Hastoe Housing Association
Blog

On the road to net zero: Hastoe Housing Association takes a step closer to Passivhaus principles as it sets out its New-Build Standard

Hastoe are setting new minimum build requirements for new homes above current building regulations.
Lord Best
Blog

Prince Philip was a significant – and unsung – hero for social housing

In the critical years of the 1970s Prince Philip was Patron of the National Housing Federation and in the 1980s he became the NHF’s very active President.
Lower Furlong, in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire. Completed in 2018, this is Hastoe’s most recently certified Passivhaus development (accurate as of December 2020).
Update

Updates on new shared ownership model and delivery of First Homes

This morning the Government released the outcomes of two separate consultations, confirming important details of the new Shared Ownership model, and the delivery of First Homes via developer contributions.
Resource

National networks

Influencing Network National Customer Experience and Housing Management Network National Development Network ... Network National Smaller Housing Association Network National Smallest Housing Association Network National
Rural view
Resource

The future of rural housing communities

Reflections on how new rural housing policy, demographic changes, the current economic climate and the coronavirus crisis is creating both opportunities and challenges for rural housing associations.
Rural view
Resource

The new Affordable Homes Programme – what are the potential impacts on financial planning?

The new Affordable Homes programme for 2021-2026 was announced by the government in September – with some potentially very significant changes. David Armstrong of Flagship Group and Phil Elvy of Great Places assess the detail and the finance implications for housing associations.
Resource

Journey so far

with Tenants plan and charter?  Blogs Engaging rural customers in Together with Tenants Our principles ... June 2017, and throughout the subsequent inquiry, housing associations have been working together with residents
The pointed roof of a house being constructed
Resource

Proposed changes to the planning system – our consultation response

Our response to the government’s consultation on short-term changes to the planning system.
Polly Neate is the chief executive of homelessness charity Shelter
Blog

Building our way out: why now is the time to invest in social housing

The pandemic brought the role of our homes into sharp focus, and in doing so has made it impossible to ignore the housing emergency that has denied people a safe home when they need it most.
Martin rural
Blog

Affordable rural homes are essential for prosperous communities

Affordable rural housing providers face a must make sure enough affordable rural homes are built to improve the diversity of the countryside, supporting a balance of income and age groups.
Houses of Parliament
Update

NHF Chair questions minister about changes to the planning system

On 16 September 2020, NHF Chair Baroness Diana Warwick of Undercliffe questioned Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government) Lord Greenhalgh about changes to the planning system.
Duncan Neish
Blog

We’re responding to the proposed planning reforms – and we need your help

We’re pulling together sector-wide responses to the two consultations, and the consultation on changes to the current system, which closes on 1 October, is our most urgent priority. We have strong arguments to make against some of the more difficult proposals – but we need your help to illustrate them.
New flats with a green common area and trees
Update

Details on the next Affordable Homes Programme announced

The government has announced the prospectus for the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme (AHP).
Lucy Grove
Blog

Two months in and momentum is building with the Homes at the Heart campaign – so what happens now?

Whether you’re a big or small housing association, in a city or in the country, and no matter what kind of services you provide, we need you to keep shouting about what you do.
Chris Hinchliff
Blog

Living communities – the case for rural social housing

The need for more social housing in the countryside is all the more pressing as we begin to feel the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
family new home
Resource

How, if you are paying both a mortgage for a part of the property and rent for the rest, could anyone ever get themselves into the position to eventually buy the place outright?

their home, the less rent they will pay to their housing association. If they staircase to 100% they become ... shares.  Of the 320,000 shared ownership homes that housing associations managed last year, 42% had been fully
The pointed roof of a house being constructed
Update

Government publishes planning white paper

How the government's proposed planning changes will affect housing associations.
The pointed roof of a house being constructed
Press Release

Response to government planning proposals

NHF response to government planning proposals.
Resource

Supporting our communities

vital services such as post offices running in rural communities. We have had some great feedback from ... volunteer support for the Sunderland foodbank. Believe Housing have awarded grants of up to £1,000 to over 30
Lord Best
Blog

Rural housing and the pandemic: looking to the future

More homes for social renting in small developments that target local people, and a few purpose-built bungalows for older people to free up family homes, can make a huge difference for the village. This certainly deserves fuller recognition from MHCLG and Homes England.
Christine Saunders from English Rural Housing Association
Blog

The benefits of retrofitting and decarbonisation – a rural housing association resident’s perspective

"25 years after living in a cold and expensive-to-heat home I have nothing but praise for a home that is now kinder to me, my wallet and the planet."
Gail Teasdale
Blog

Safe, secure and energy-efficient homes are the key to building sustainable communities

As a rural housing association based in the largest county in the country, supporting communities is a major part of our corporate strategy. We believe strong communities are mixed communities.
Allister Young is C.E.O. of Coastline Housing Ltd
Blog

Reducing ‘hidden’ homelessness – collaboration and innovation in Cornwall

Coastline Housing has partnered with Cornwall Council and other organisations to help homeless people in the county through an innovative outreach project.
Head and shoulders photo of Kate Henderson
Blog

Rural housing associations are the glue connecting local communities – and can play a key role in the country’s recovery

The work that housing associations do in rural areas every day shows us that we have so much to be proud of as a sector. We have the potential to make an enormous contribution to the future of rural lives, if the government can put Homes at the Heart of the national recovery programme.
Walking home with a toddler
Update

Towns Fund – details and guidance

The government announced the Towns Fund in September 2019, with a view to supporting places that have not always benefitted from economic growth in the same ways as more prosperous areas.
Martin rural
Blog

Rural communities are vital – now more than ever

The response to coronavirus in rural communities has been exceptional, with residents coming together in unprecedented circumstances to help each other.
Resource

Member relations support

work and the support you need. Get in touch: EAM@housing.org.uk. Head of Member Relations Programme lead ... customer experience and housing management anddevolution. Email: jo.allen@housing.org.uk Tel: 0117 952 9925

Construction site where new houses are being built
Resource

Case study: Blaby District Council and emh group – Leicestershire

emh group and Blaby District Council have been working together in Leicestershire since 2008 to deliver more homes to the county.
Alex Williams
Blog

How we’re engaging our rural customers in Together with Tenants

Cottsway are using using a variety of methods to engage their rural customers.
New homes being built
Resource

Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26

The government's Affordable Homes Programme plans to deliver up to 180,000 new homes.
building new homes on development
Resource

Making the most of your Federation membership

Are you making the most of your Federation membership? Find out with our member benefits checklist.
homeless_city_streets
Press Release

1 in 7 people in England directly hit by the housing crisis

More than 8m people in England are living in an unaffordable, insecure or unsuitable home, according to the first ever ‘state of the nation’ report on the housing crisis.
Cat's at home
Resource

Our members

Find out if your housing association is a member of the National Housing Federation.
Areal view of village and sky above it
Resource

Rural Housing Week 2022

An annual campaign to showcase the fantastic work housing associations do in rural communities, Rural Housing Week 2022 is your opportunity to highlight the many ways in which housing associations are working to support the levelling up agenda in rural areas. 
New homes with a field in front and a forest behind
Resource

Rural housing

We’re supporting housing associations to invest in rural homes and communities.
Resource

Tailoring support to members

We know that the housing association sector is rich in diversity – no two housing associations are the same, and our members’ needs and priorities often differ. That’s why we’re developing a series of tailored member offers to ensure we provide the right support and resources to all of our members.

Several people discuss something in a small group
Resource

Housing association involvement

We have been working with residents, tenant representative groups, our members and others to understand what practical change is needed in the relationship between housing associations and tenants.
Resource

Our rural offer

committed to supporting housing associations that provide homes and services in rural areas. Our offer to ... to our members with stock in rural areas is designed to help them deliver the best service possible for
Areal view of village and sky above it
Resource

Our rural partners

The National Housing Federation Rural Housing Alliance supports our members that own and manage homes in rural areas.
rural housing view
Resource

Rural Housing 5-star plan

The Rural Housing 5-Star Plan was developed in 2017 through consultation with housing associations, and supports and challenges the sector to build more homes and support communities. 
rural overhead view
Resource

Our rural offer

Our offer to our members with stock in rural areas is designed to help them deliver the best service possible for their customers. 
Head and shoulders photo of Kate Henderson
Blog

How are rural housing associations making a long-term commitment to their communities?

Rural Housing Week 2019, which runs from 1-5 July, is our annual celebration of housing associations’ vital role in rural communities.
Breakfast with family
Resource

Member benefits

NHF members have access to exclusive benefits, products and services that enable their businesses to thrive.
A row of new terraced houses
Press Release

£12.8bn needed every year to end the housing crisis

New research from the National Housing Federation reveals that the Government must invest £12.8bn a year to finally end the housing crisis in England.
Jessica Levy
Blog

Dispatches from the (party political) fringe

At the end of the political conference season, Jessica Levy reflects on what this means for the housing sector.
urban housing
Update

New guidance to help identify tenants at risk of county lines exploitation

New guidance from the Home Office and CrimeStoppers aims to help housing association staff identify and support vulnerable tenants.
Aerial view of a rural village
Resource

Affordable housing saving rural services: rural life monitor 2017

Our report illustrates how building affordable homes in rural areas can help to maintain vital services for local communities.
Event

Opportunities for building more rural affordable homes

Opportunities for building more rural affordable homes

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