National Housing Federation’s supply survey shows big uptick in starts and completions

Housing association starts and completions accelerated significantly in the year after the spending review, according to the National Housing Federation (NHF).

The organisation’s annual supply survey results showed the sector had built 42,792 homes in 2025/26, a 5% increase on the previous year, and started 35,570 homes, a 15% increase.

Kate Henderson - headshot-Photoroom

NHF chief executive Kate Henderson said the figures showed the role housing associations had to play in supporting Andy Burnham’s missions on housing

The data, collected from 154 members, covers the vast majority of new development by housing associations and showed a major jump in the amount of building for social rent. 

The sector reported 13,275 starts of homes for social rent, up 57% on the previous year, with completions up 49% to 9,853. Both of these stats were more than double the average recorded by the NHF over the past decade.

The NHF said the results showed the government’s support for housing associations, which includes the £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme as well as a ten-year rent settlement at CPI+1%, was resulting in progress on the ground.

Kate Henderson, chief executive at the NHF, said: “These figures demonstrate how quickly housing associations can deliver when they have the right support, certainty and long-term investment. 

“After years of cuts and rising pressures, we are now seeing a record boost in social rent starts and completions — the homes needed by those at the sharpest end of the housing crisis, including the 176,000 children in temporary accommodation.”

She added that the NHF supported Andy Burnham’s stated mission to “put housing at the top of the government’s list of priorities” and stressed that housing associations were “key partners” in delivering this.