Important Facts of the News
- Total fund size: £27.2 billion for 2026–2036
- Programme managed by: Homes England
- Launch timeline: Bidding opens February 2026; first grants in April 2026
- Objective: Support delivery of 1.5 million homes this parliament
- Geographic coverage: All of England excluding London
- Focus: Three out of five homes to be for social rent
- Bridge funding: £2 billion to maintain momentum during transition
- Application routes: Continuous Market Engagement (CME) and Strategic Partnership
- Duration: 10 years (2026–2036)
- Includes: Specialist, supported, rural, and community-led housing
Homes England Prepares for 2026 Affordable Housing Rollout
Homes England has shared detailed guidance for its upcoming Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) 2026–2036, paving the way for the launch of one of the United Kingdom’s largest housing initiatives in recent years. The agency is inviting local authorities, registered providers, developers, and community organisations to begin preparing for funding applications early next year.
Massive Investment to Boost Social and Affordable Housing
The new £27.2 billion programme is designed to help meet the UK government’s target of delivering 1.5 million homes within the current parliament. Homes England will oversee the rollout across England, except for London, which operates under a separate funding framework. The initiative is expected to provide long-term financial certainty to housing partners and enable large-scale development of social and affordable homes.
Collaborating with Local and Regional Leaders
The programme reinforces Homes England’s ongoing collaboration with mayors and local authorities. Mayoral Combined Authorities will have the flexibility to guide local delivery, shape tenure mixes, and prioritise key development sites to reflect community needs. The goal is to ensure local leadership plays a decisive role in building sustainable and inclusive housing projects.
Programme Highlights and Strategic Focus
The SAHP 2026–2036 aims for at least three out of every five homes funded to be made available for social rent. It also encourages the creation of specialist and supported housing, promotes community-led projects, and supports an increase in council-built homes.
A £2 billion bridge funding package will ensure the ongoing Affordable Homes Programme (2021–2026) transitions smoothly into the new phase. This approach provides continuity, stability, and confidence for long-term investment in the housing sector.
Application Routes and New Digital Process
Homes England will continue to manage all provider bids under two main routes. The Continuous Market Engagement (CME) route will support specific site developments, while the Strategic Partnership route will allow partners to commit to delivering a set number of homes over an agreed period. To improve efficiency, a new digital platform will be launched to simplify applications and grant management.
Sector Support and Next Steps
Homes England Chair Pat Ritchie CBE emphasised that the decade-long programme offers local leaders the flexibility to meet regional housing needs and gives the sector confidence to invest. The long-term funding model, she noted, will help strengthen partnerships and boost construction at scale for the benefit of communities across England.
Affordable Housing Director Shahi Islam added that the new initiative builds upon successful elements of the current programme. With a strong focus on social rent and local delivery, the agency aims to maintain momentum and ensure a seamless transition into the next decade of housing delivery.
Preparing for February 2026 Launch
With guidance now available, Homes England is encouraging potential applicants to seek support and clarify requirements before the bidding window opens in February 2026. The first wave of grants is expected to be awarded by April 2026, marking the beginning of a ten-year effort to expand affordable housing across the country.