The Growing Shortfall in Social Housing: Why Action Is Urgently Needed

As of 2023, housing associations in the UK manage approximately 2.8 million homes. These properties form part of the wider social housing sector, which includes both affordable and social rent options. This figure highlights the significant role housing associations play in providing access to affordable housing at a time when demand far exceeds supply.

By 2025, the UK faces an increasingly critical shortfall in social housing. Over 1.3 million households are currently on waiting lists for social homes in England, representing a 37% increase since 2015. This growing backlog is made worse by a continued net loss in social housing stock. For example, in the 2023 to 2024 period, 20,560 social homes were lost, mainly due to Right to Buy sales and demolitions. During the same period, only 19,910 new social homes were delivered. This resulted in a net loss of 650 homes.

This ongoing decline highlights a deepening crisis. Without sufficient new supply and stronger protection of existing stock, the housing gap will continue to widen. The figures clearly illustrate the need for increased investment in social housing, alongside meaningful policy reform, to meet demand and reduce the pressure on vulnerable households across the country.