Debt funding has always been an important source of financing for the social housing sector but with costs rising to build new homes and maintain and decarbonise existing homes, traditional debt financing models can’t be the only answer for the sector.

I’m looking forward to chairing a session at the Treasury in Housing Conference where we’ll be considering the development of treasury products beyond traditional debt finance.

We’ll be discussing how housing associations can unlock additional investment capacity in their business plans and the risk- reward paradigm of off-balance sheet investment. We’ll also consider equity partnerships and the role for-profit registered providers have to play in this.

The panel for the session includes representatives from funders, housing associations and Sero, an organisation which helps housing providers decide on the right approach and measures to retrofit their homes.

In 2022, research by the British Property Federation and Legal & General concluded that there will be a shortfall of 95,000 affordable homes if a new funding structure for housing is not developed. Please join us in discussing how we can work towards the right solution to the challenges housing associations face.