The government has announced the creation of a new state-owned National Housing Bank aimed at accelerating the delivery of housing projects through loans, guarantees, and direct investments.
The bank will operate as a subsidiary of Homes England and will receive £16 billion in new financial resources, supplemented by £6 billion in existing funding to be allocated during the current parliamentary term.
The goal is to attract up to £53 billion in additional private investment, which, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), would help build over 500,000 new homes.
The new structure will grant Homes England more autonomy and flexibility in investments and enable it to issue government guarantees directly.
The bank will also support small and medium-sized businesses with new loan products and fund infrastructure projects for large developers, including complex schemes.
Part of the £2.5 billion in low-interest loans announced last week in the spending review will be used to develop social and affordable housing.
Housing associations hope these funds can be used under a “revolving grant” model, where larger upfront grants are issued with repayment later. This would reduce initial debt burdens, lower interest payments, and improve the financial sustainability of organizations.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner stated:
“We are committed to solving the housing crisis we inherited — reforming the planning system, investing £39 billion in social and affordable homes, and creating the National Housing Bank to unlock critical investment.”
“We’re stepping on the gas so an entire generation has a chance to own a home and children can grow up in safe, secure housing — not in temporary accommodation.”
This initiative precedes the release of a 10-year infrastructure strategy, due to be published tomorrow (Wednesday). The government has already confirmed that it will include:
- £8 billion for flood defence
- £1 billion for road repair and upgrades
- £590 million for the Lower Thames development
- new procurement rules to support British companies
The National Housing Fund will complement the bank by providing an additional £5 billion in grants for infrastructure and land.
Homes England Chair Pat Ritchie commented:
“The National Housing Bank builds on our expertise in financing and unlocking new housing and mixed-use projects. We’re responding to calls from the housing sector, mayors, and local leaders for larger-scale, more flexible finance and faster decision-making.”
Additionally, the government will work with the Mayor of London to create a Developer Investment Fund at City Hall.
New Social Housing — An Economic Gain
A report by Housing Today and the G15 group shows that providing social housing for 323,800 households on London’s waiting list could add at least £7.7 billion annually to the economy of London and the wider UK.
Despite the urgent need for affordable housing, both the government and housing associations face limitations in balance sheet capacity.
The first State of the Capital report, prepared in partnership between Housing Today and G15, explores solutions to overcome these constraints and expand the development of desperately needed affordable housing in London.