Social housing landlords in England are planning to invest record amounts in repairs while also building new homes, according to forecasts published today by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).
The 2026 financial forecasts of private registered providers suggest some stabilisation in the sector's finances, with interest cover over the first five years of plans comparable to the last forecasts, having previously declined each year. The regulator attributes this to slower growth in repairs and maintenance spending and increased income growth.
Development plans have increased modestly over five years, reversing recent trends, with a larger rise over the 10-year Social and Affordable Homes Programme.
To fund this, providers expect to borrow £54.7bn over the first five years, alongside £16.3bn in additional grant.
RSH Director of Strategy Will Perry said the trade-offs ‘are not easy’ and the financial pressures need careful management.
The regulator noted that the largest providers, with more than 40,000 homes, generally have a tighter financial position.
The plans were prepared in early 2026, so do not fully reflect recent global events or their effect on inflation and interest rates.
