As the housing crisis continues to deepen across the UK, the recently published National Housing Federation (NHF) Strategic Review serves as both a sobering reflection on the challenges faced by housing associations and an inspiring call to action. Highlighting key insights, priorities, and opportunities for the sector, the report outlines a path forward to deliver good-quality, safe, and affordable homes while addressing some of the most pressing public policy issues of our time.
At Highlight Housing, we see immense value in the themes raised in this report and recognise the alignment between its vision and our mission to provide stand-out affordable housing solutions. Here are some of the critical insights we have taken from the NHF’s findings and how we believe we can contribute to achieving these goals:
The Essential Role of Housing Associations
The NHF reaffirms the social purpose of housing associations: to deliver good-quality, affordable housing for those who need it most. In the current climate, where 4.2 million people in England could benefit from social housing and over 160,000 children are living in temporary accommodation, this mission has never been more urgent.
However, the financial and operational pressures on the sector are significant. With record levels of spending on maintaining existing stock (£8.8 billion in 2023/24), competing priorities such as decarbonisation, building safety, and delivering new affordable homes are stretching resources to their limits. As a consultancy supporting housing providers, we believe targeted operational strategies and innovative funding solutions are critical to overcoming these hurdles.
Strengthening Trust with Residents and Communities
A core message from the review is the need to improve relationships with residents. The NHF’s Together with Tenants initiative and the push for greater accountability under new regulatory standards demonstrate a shift towards a more collaborative approach to service delivery. This aligns with our philosophy at Highlight Housing: putting residents at the heart of decision-making and ensuring their voices are heard throughout the home-buying and rental processes.
By working closely with housing associations, we can enhance tenant engagement strategies and support the delivery of services that empower residents while building long-term trust.
Decarbonisation and Future-Proofing Homes
The NHF’s commitment to achieving net-zero homes by 2050 is both ambitious and necessary. Achieving this goal requires significant investment, innovative approaches, and cross-sector collaboration. Highlight Housing is well-positioned to assist housing associations in navigating this challenge, whether through operational planning, compliance support, or connecting with sustainable funding mechanisms.
Addressing Public Perception
A critical vulnerability identified in the report is the lack of public understanding about the work of housing associations. Negative perceptions and stigma around social housing not only undermine the sector’s reputation but also limit its ability to secure the long-term support needed from policymakers and the public. Highlight Housing is committed to helping housing providers craft clear and compelling narratives that showcase the value they bring to their communities, from delivering affordable homes to creating vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods.
Collaboration for Impact
The NHF’s call for stronger partnerships with government, local authorities, and other stakeholders reflects the interconnected nature of housing challenges. Highlight Housing welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with housing associations to deliver the homes and services our communities desperately need. Whether it’s supporting shared ownership sales, advising on governance, or helping implement strategic priorities, we are here to drive impactful outcomes together.
Moving Forward
The NHF’s strategic review is a rallying cry for the housing sector to redouble its efforts, embrace innovation, and focus on long-term solutions to the housing crisis. At Highlight Housing, we are inspired by the opportunities this presents to work alongside housing associations and other partners to deliver on our shared purpose of providing good-quality, affordable homes and creating vibrant communities.
If you’re a housing provider looking to navigate these challenges or take advantage of emerging opportunities, we’d love to discuss how we can support you. Let’s work together to build a future where everyone has access to a safe, affordable place to call home.
Contact us to learn more about how Highlight Housing can help you achieve your goals.
You can read Housing associations in 2025: a strategic review here.