Tackling the challenges facing UK social housing: building stock and embracing innovation

To tackle this growing crisis, we need to think differently—building more homes is crucial,  but so is finding smarter, more efficient ways to manage and deliver housing, writes Alistair Carruthers, enterprise business development manager at Helpthemove.

The UK’s social housing sector is at a crossroads. Demand for affordable housing is soaring, but supply just isn’t keeping up. In fact, over the past five years, there has only been one year when social housing stock actually increased. That leaves too many vulnerable people and families stuck without stable homes.

Closing the housing gap

Let’s face it, building enough new homes to keep up with demand is no easy feat. Social housing providers are up against a mix of inefficiencies, tight budgets, and red tape that slows everything down. But there are other ways to make progress. Modular housing, for example, could speed up construction, while repurposing underutilised spaces might be a faster way to create new homes for those who need them most.

How technology can change the game

One of the most exciting opportunities lies in technology. Embracing digital tools and proptech solutions can transform how social housing providers work. Take void periods—that’s the time a property sits empty between tenants. Reducing that downtime doesn’t just mean more revenue; it means homes are ready for the next family that much sooner.

There are numerous proptech services on the market already showing what ispossible. By using digital platforms, housing providers can access powerful insights and analytics. Imagine knowing exactly how much time you have  saved per tenant move or how much more efficient your operations are compared to last year. Those kinds of metrics turn data into action and help providers make smarter decisions.

Hitting net-zero and energy efficiency goals

Then there is the push for greener housing. With the government’s net-zero targets and stricter energy efficiency standards, providers have a big challenge on their hands. Retrofitting older properties with new energy-efficient systems takes serious investment, but the pay-off is worth it – lower carbon emissions, lower energy bills for tenants, and compliance with new regulations.

Technology can help here, too. Smart energy management systemscan track and reduce energy use across housing portfolios. By adopting these tools, providers can  hit their green targets and help tenants better manage their energy costs.

And let’s not forget the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. This new legislation is a game changer. It brings in stricter rules for large social landlords, tighter deadlines for fixing issues like damp and mould (“Awaab’s Law”), and new qualification standards for housing managers. These measures send a clear message: improving the quality and safety of social housing is a top priority. Providers who stay ahead of these changes will build stronger trust with tenants and regulators alike.

Social housing has a lot to learn from sectors like build-to-rent and PRS, which have already embraced technology in a big way. Think tenant portals for easy communication or AI tools that simplify property management. The social housing sector has the same potential to modernise and deliver better experiences for everyone involved.

Wrapping up

At the end of the day, it’s all about the tenants. Quicker home allocations, better energy efficiency, and more responsive services make a real difference in people’s lives. By focusing on innovation and streamlining operations, social housing providers can create a future where tenants feel supported and valued.

Yes, the challenges in social housing are big – but they’re not impossible to overcome. By thinking ahead and tapping into the power of technology, providers can close the gap between supply and demand. With the right approach, we can deliver more homes and better services, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our communities get the support they need.

• Alistair Carruthers is enterprise business development manager at Helpthemove