Platform Housing Group has reported its highest number of completions in over five years, as well as record low customer arrears.
For the year ending 31 March 2026, the housing association report 1,380 affordable homes completions, 33% up on the previous year, as it continues to invest in new housing delivery across the Midlands.
The new homes included properties for social rent, affordable rent, rent to buy and shared ownership, with all homes delivered as affordable tenures. More than 40% of the new homes were built with solar PV panels and around a third had an EPC A rating.
Platform also started work on a further 1,556 homes during the year, all of which will be completed without gas heating systems.
At the same time, the organisation recorded its lowest ever arrears level at two%, which it says reflects its continued focus on customer support and financial resilience.
Alongside this investment in new homes, Platform says that it continued to invest heavily in its existing homes and services, including component replacement, decarbonisation and improvements to housing quality.
In its trading update, Platform highlighted the ongoing financial and operational pressures facing the housing sector, including rising maintenance costs, investment requirements linked to safety and sustainability and wider economic uncertainty.
Rosemary Farrar, chief financial officer at Platform Housing Group, said: “This past year has presented a very challenging operating environment for housing associations with increasing cost pressures, changing regulatory expectations and wider economic uncertainty affecting both customers and organisations alike. This has put pressure on our financial metrics, which we have managed carefully.”
“Despite this, we have continued to invest significantly in both existing homes and new affordable housing while maintaining a strong financial position. Our focus remains on improving the quality of our homes and services at the same time, strengthening our data and systems in order to ensure we are well placed to meet future challenges.”
“We have consciously stepped up investment in our existing homes, including maintenance and sustainability works, because we know how important safe, warm and good quality homes are for our customers and communities.”
Platform reported turnover growth of 2.9% to £385.3million during the year, with social housing lettings turnover increasing by 6.3%. The housing association also said that demand for shared ownership homes remained strong, with robust enquiry and reservation levels across Platform’s operating areas.
Rosemary continued: “We continue to invest in much-needed affordable homes, with delivery up by a third this year as previous starts on site begin to translate into completions. All 1380 homes were affordable tenures, helping meet significant housing need across our communities.”
“At the same time, we remain focused on improving customer experience through our localities model and continued investment in our services, homes and systems.”
