INVESTING IN SOCIAL HOUSING

The Motivation

The ability to access suitable housing goes beyond just providing shelter. It also encompasses decent living conditions, security, emotional well-being and links to a community. In 2009, the UK housing market essentially faced a three-way stand-off. Fewer buyers were buying, fewer lenders were lending and fewer builders were building. The main challenge is the huge imbalance between the demand for and supply of new-build homes.

The Opportunity

Ecclesiastical believes the biggest investment opportunity within affordable and social housing lies not in the bricks and mortar itself…but in its maintenance.

Ecclesiastical’s Amity UK Fund currently invests in several maintenance companies within the affordable and social housing market. One of the leading companies in this sector includes Mears that aims to make a positive difference to communities by helping to improve homes and neighbourhoods.

The Impact

Ecclesiastical input towards urban regeneration includes looking to invest in companies that are involved in the delivery and support of affordable and social housing, which is an important issue not only in SRI, but also within a wider public policy context. Their unique approach to identifying socially responsible investment opportunities helped Ecclesiastical to deliver profit with principles. Investing in the social housing market made a positive contribution to this sector, while taking advantage of a golden opportunity.