RSH publishes its quarterly survey for Q1 April to June 2026
The quarterly survey report is based on responses from private registered providers of social housing who own or manage more than 1,000 homes
The Regulator of Social Housing has published the results of its quarterly survey of private registered providers’ financial health, covering the period from 1 April to 30 June 2026 today (Thursday 3 September 2026).
Investment in the sector remains robust, with landlords able to access the funding needed to support investment in new and existing homes. A total of £4.3bn was raised in the quarter, including £2.2bn worth of bank lending.
Investment in existing homes remained strong, with spending on repairs and maintenance reaching £2.4 billion in the quarter. Expenditure on repairs and maintenance over the past 12 months totalled £9.7 billion and forecast spend in the next 12 months is expected to reach £11.1bn.
Investment in new homes saw a slight reduction in the quarter to £3.1 billion, while total 12-month forecast development increased to £16.0 billion. This includes £5.1 billion relating to uncommitted development, a 16% increase from the previous forecast and the highest level in three years.
There were further reductions to cash interest cover (excluding sales but including grant in respect of capitalised major repairs), which stood at 59% in the quarter to June 2026, driven mainly by annual costs paid in the quarter. Recovery in margins and interest cover continues to be slower than previously forecast.
The Social and Affordable Homes Programme, rent convergence, and targeted building safety funding are intended to support long-term investment and promote greater regulatory certainty for landlords. RSH will continue to monitor financial performance and engage with the financially weakest providers to assess how they are managing their financial risk.
Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said: ”As the operating environment continues to evolve, landlords should ensure their plans adapt to emerging opportunities and changes in regulation.
“It is vital that landlords understand and actively manage any additional risks, identify potential liquidity and covenant pressures at an early stage, and maintain robust contingency plans to support their long-term financial resilience.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
-
The report is based on the financial regulatory returns from 195 private registered providers (housing associations and other private registered providers, including for-profits), who own or manage more than 1,000 homes.
-
RSH reviews each private registered provider’s quarterly survey. It considers a range of indicators and follows up with the landlord where a risk to 12-month liquidity is identified, or where there is a risk to loan covenant compliance. Further assurance is sought where there is increasing exposure to risks from activities carried out within non-registered entities. Findings will be reflected in regulatory judgements where appropriate.
-
RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.
-
For media enquiries contact Vicky Moore vicky.moore@rsh.gov.uk or Christian Cosby christian.cosby@rsh.gov.uk. For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk .