Soha housing association – top developer of much-needed affordable homes

SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE’S Soha Housing, which has 6,700 homes across Oxfordshire and surrounding area including Thame, is one of the top housing associations in the country for growth.

Photos for Soha (South Oxford Housing Association) at their HQ in Didcot, Oxfordshire.
Date: 27.03.2013.
Photos by Anna Lythgoe 07801819711

Working with developers, local authority partners, and residents, Soha built 229 new homes in 2018/19 – the majority for affordable rent and a quarter of these for shared ownership (part rent, part buy).

Inside Housing, the housing sector’s trade magazine, recently published its annual league tables on new building for the affordable housing market across the UK. Achieving a 3.4% growth puts Soha in the top three housing associations for the number of homes developed relative to stock size.

Soha’s vision is to provide homes across the range of housing needs in places where people want to live and work. Steve Lynch, Director of Property and Development, said: “We’re forecasting around 260 new homes across both rented and shared ownership by the end of this financial year. This exceeds our annual target of 250”.

Soha aims to minimise the environmental impact of the new homes it builds through energy-efficient construction. It also invests in resident engagement and community activities to help residents settle in quickly.

FACT BOX:

Soha Housing, founded in July 1997, is a provider regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing. The majority of our homes are for social rent, with nearly 14% shared ownership or leasehold properties. Our stock is located across South Oxfordshire and neighbouring districts.

Soha is a community-based mutual housing association, meaning its residents can apply to become shareholding members and influence the priorities and direction of the company.

More information from the undersigned or at https://www.soha.co.uk/about-us/who-we-are/