Abri Set to Exceed Housing Target Amid Sector Challenges
Abri has confirmed it is on track to surpass its ten-year goal of delivering 10,000 homes by 2030, marking a significant milestone in its development programme.
At the halfway point, the housing provider has completed 5,196 homes between 2020 and 2025, including properties built by Octavia and Silvia, which merged with Abri in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
With an additional 4,972 homes expected over the next five years—3,895 of which are already under contract—Abri is positioned to exceed its original commitment.
The organisation has invested over £1.1bn in its development programme to date, with total spending projected to reach £2.5bn by the end of the decade.
Affordable Housing and Shared Ownership Focus
Of the homes delivered so far, 2,459 have been allocated for affordable and social rent, while 2,031 have been made available through shared ownership schemes. Abri’s in-house construction team has contributed 266 homes to the total.
Jo Makinson, Chief Investment Officer at Abri, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable housing: “Abri is committed to supporting more people to access a good quality, warm and sustainable home which we know provides a critical foundation for health, wellbeing and prosperity.”
In a challenging market, we are proud to have delivered 5,196 homes, helping thousands more individuals and families achieve a safe place to call their own.
Despite this progress, Abri reported a 19% decline in housing completions in the year leading up to 31 March 2024, reflecting broader sector difficulties.
Housebuilding Trends: A Rare Success Story
Abri’s performance stands in contrast to wider UK housebuilding trends, which have seen a significant downturn. According to the latest figures, housing starts in 2024 were 30.8% lower than in 2019, with completions also down by 5.3% year-on-year.
The decline has been attributed to rising construction costs, planning delays, and economic uncertainty.
Private enterprise starts in England fell by 17.3% in the final quarter of 2024, while completions across the UK dropped by 7.8% compared to the previous year.
In this context, Abri’s ability to maintain momentum and exceed its targets is notable. Its strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Homes England and private developers, have enabled it to sustain delivery despite sector-wide challenges.
As the UK grapples with a housing supply crisis, Abri’s continued investment and expansion could serve as a model for resilience in the sector.
Whether its success can be replicated more broadly remains to be seen, but its trajectory offers a rare bright spot in an otherwise subdued market.
