Aster Group has been awarded a C1 grading by the Regulator of Social Housing in its first review under the new Regulatory Inspection consumer standards.
The housing association says that the grading recognises its strong performance against regulatory standards in areas such as customer experience, health and safety and full regulatory compliance.
Alongside the top grade for consumer standards, Aster was also awarded a G1 for governance and a V2 for financial viability.
Aster has held G1 or the equivalent since the regulatory grading system came into force, which it says underscores its robust approach to risk management, transparent decision-making and continued commitment to deliver new affordable homes and a long-term repairs programme.
Bjorn Howard, group chief executive officer at Aster Group, said: “To get the very best in the Regulator’s new consumer ratings is a tremendous recognition of our approach to customer care and the commitment of our teams.”
“It’s important that we take the time and effort to properly listen to our customers and learn from them at every opportunity. This engagement is what’s shaped our Customer Voice programme and new framework, delivering enhancements to the services we provide and better outcomes.”
“Retaining our G1 governance rating – which we have held since the regulatory grading system came into force – is a further mark of confidence in the strength and stability of our leadership. Strong governance is what forms the foundation of our comprehensive support for customers. Meanwhile, our V2 financial viability rating reflects our focus on investing in our portfolio of homes across the South of England and London, which is the right thing to do for customers – not only for today, but long into the future.”
In its recent unaudited results, Aster revealed it had completed 978 homes in 2025/26, including 914 affordable homes, with a strong development pipeline of 2,708 homes to complete by March 2035. These figures include its strategic partnership with Homes England, through which it is set to deliver 1,550 homes by March 2028.
Elsewhere, three other housing associations received gradings from the RSH, with Charnwood Borough Council, Dover District Council and Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association all receiving C2 grades.
