Social landlords spent £10bn on repairs and maintenance by March last year, research has found.

In the Regulator of Social Housing’s ‘2025 Global Accounts of private registered providers’ report, it is revealed that the final £10bn figure (with £3.9bn having been capitalised) had increased by 13% in the year ending March 2025, with ‘record amounts’ being spent on ‘improving the quality and safety of existing homes whilst also maintaining investment in new supply’.

In its financial analysis of private registered providers of social housing, the report reveals that roughly £10.9bn is predicted to be spent annually on repairs and maintenance for the next five years.

But investment plans could require adaptations due to factors such as grant funding availability for cladding replacement, the introduction of Awaab’s law, and consultations on a new Decent Homes and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard, the report found.

Overall, the research outlines that new supply continues to be invested in ‘significantly’ by the sector, with £14.2bn spent on development and 54,000 new social homes provided, as well as new facilities worth £12.3bn having been agreed.

It also notes that ‘performance varies significantly’ across the housing providers, with some facing financial constraints that could impede their ability to deliver as many social homes as expected.

According to the data, a group of 19 providers account for 42% of the sector by units owned and 47% by turnover.

‘Many of these providers have significant operations in London and the South East, where costs are generally higher, and they have increased exposure to higher repairs and maintenance expenditure, leading to tighter margins.

‘When combined with a higher level of indebtedness, this means that collectively they exhibit weaker financial performance than the rest of the sector across a range of key metrics’, the report reads.

Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said: ‘As expected, record investment in repairs and maintenance continues to affect margins as important safety and quality works are carried out. It is essential that providers ensure these works are completed efficiently and effectively, to improve financial resilience and increase development capacity.

‘It is encouraging that most providers also continue to invest significantly in new homes. Major government interventions such as the £39bn grant for the Social and Affordable Homes Programme for the next ten years and capital funding for building safety should sustain new development into the future.’

‘While it is important to mention there are some signs of improvement in margins, we will continue to closely monitor landlords’ financial viability to ensure tenants and homes are protected.’