Manchester landlords’ 21,000-home merger approved

The boards of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and Southway Housing Trust in Greater Manchester have approved a merger between the two to form a 21,000-home landlord.

The merger, which will create the largest provider of social housing in the county, will go ahead in early November 2026, with the new organisation to be temporarily known as Southway Wythenshawe Homes until a rebrand due in 2027. 

The new entity is aiming to invest around £2bn in existing homes in the next 30 years as well as deliver 3,200 new homes, which it said is 750 more than the organisations were targeting separately.

It has also promised to increase the number of neighbourhood housing officers and reduce patch sizes.

The landlords said resident rights, rent and services will remain the same following approval of the merger.

Explaining why the merger is happening, 6,500-home Southway and 14,000-home Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, said: “Both organisations are strong and financially stable. However, rising living costs, higher operating and material costs, growing housing waiting lists and new regulation continue to affect how we support residents and communities.

“Becoming a larger organisation will make us financially stronger and more resilient, helping us meet residents’ needs and aspirations and provide greater value for money.”

John Bowker, current Southway Housing Trust boss, will become chief executive of the new organisation, while Nick Crofts, chair of Wythenshawe, will become chair.