Disposals – briefing for NHF members (September 2026)

We have prepared a briefing on disposals, which sets out the evidence, our key messages and responses to common questions, and which you can adapt for use in conversations with councillors, MPs and other local partners.

Housing associations are acutely aware of the chronic shortage of affordable housing and are committed to working in partnership with the government and councils to deliver tens of thousands of new homes for social rent. Housing associations take their role as long-term stewards of their homes and communities seriously. Sometimes this means taking the strategic decision to sell properties in instances where it is not possible or viable for certain homes to be retained.

Where necessary, disposals are an integral, effective and constructive component of ensuring high-quality social housing stock. Selling homes that are no longer fit for purpose enables housing associations to invest in building additional new homes and maintain the quality of their residents’ existing homes. Targeted actions from the government could help to reduce the number of social homes that are sold, and the National Housing Federation will continue to work with the government to achieve our shared aims of keeping as many homes within the social housing sector as possible.