The HFI Newsletter: May 2025

Secrets to success in getting homes on the ground

This month saw the launch of a free webinar series delivered by the Housing & Finance Institute and Local Partnerships. The programme is called "Getting it done: secrets to success in getting homes on the ground".

We're showcasing practical insights and best practice examples. Topics include developing deliverable housing pipelines, socially responsible housebuilding, inclusive regeneration and more. Find out more about the programme here.

Join us this Thursday 29 May at 11am - 12 midday for our session on Inclusive Growth. Register for the free session here: Inclusive Growth Webinar

For too many years regeneration became a word associated with gentrification and even economic division. Step forward a new model – inclusive growth. Principles of inclusive growth are a rent and economic model that works with established and new communities alike, which sets rents and assesses the value of contributions made by residents for other residents and so aims to strengthen the social fabric as well as the built fabric in an inclusive and dynamic way.

Widely recognised as a pioneer of Inclusive Growth, as the council leader Darren Rodwell oversaw a golden decade of economic growth and community development in Barking and Dagenham. Join HFI Fellow, Darren for a whistlestop tour in this "Getting it done – secrets to success" Webinar on Secrets to Success for Inclusive Growth.

How can Local Government Pension Schemes unlock housing growth?
This month's must read is an article on harnessing Local Government Pension Schemes to unlock housing growth from Adele Gritten, Local Partnerships CEO and an HFI board member.

Adele's article references cutting edge research launched in partnership with Localis and ISIO which identifies the role that LGPS can play and how to unlock the blocks and barriers to investment in domestic housing opportunities at scale.

Read Adele's article here: Harnessing Local Government Pension Schemes for Growth

Read A New Stable, the role of LGPS here: A New Stable

Temporary Housing Deal Highlight

A novel approach to temporary accommodation has been put in place by Westminster City Council working with institutional investor Phoenix Group and Macquarie Asset Management. The deal sees 350 poor quality homes sold by a housing association with a leasing structure that enables the homes to be upgraded to a minimum of EPC C and used for temporary accommodation. The deal is reported to be 42 years with an inflation linked payment stream to the investor. The council retains an option to purchase at the end of the lease period.

There's a number of similar schemes in discussion within the housing sector which link ESG/energy upgrades with very long term indexed funding from institutional investors. Expect a firm focus on this area as councils and housing providers seek to balance funding for improvements and new build housing alongside energy upgrade requirements and future homes standards.

Get in Touch

The HFI's purpose is to support increased housing supply, back councils and businesses working together to build more homes and promote new ways to finance housing delivery. Do get in touch at connect@hfi.org.uk if you would like to share ideas and suggestions on building the homes our country needs.

Best wishes

Natalie Elphicke Ross
Head of Housing Delivery
natalie@hfi.org.uk

www.thehfi.uk

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