Bidding opens for Social and Affordable Homes Programme

Homes England has opened the bidding process for its Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026-2036 (SAHP).

Registered providers are encouraged to bid for grant support from at least £27 billion fund worth of funding.

The programme has been designed to accelerate the delivery of hundreds of thousands of new homes for social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership.

At least £27 billion of funding will be available, delivered by Homes England, has part of the government's £39 billion investment to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation.

Homes England has also published updated bidding guidance to support partners in developing strong proposals and gaining a clear understanding of the programme’s requirements and expectations.

Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said: "Today marks an important milestone in the government’s ambition to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation as we open our new Social and Affordable Homes Programme for business. 

"Working in close partnership with the sector, we have given providers the funding and regulatory certainty they need and we’re now calling on them to come forward with bold, ambitious bids so we can kickstart a decade of social and affordable housing renewal."

Amy Rees CB, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: "The launch of the Social and Affordable Homes Programme marks a significant step in accelerating the delivery of much-needed affordable housing across England.

"Our updated bidding guidance clearly sets out what we are looking for: high-quality, deliverable schemes that prioritise social rent and demonstrate strong value for money.

"We are not just accelerating the supply of new homes, but reshaping the future of affordable housing across the country, driving forward the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million new homes in this parliament and helping to create new vibrant, thriving communities."