Social Housing:
A Vision for Inclusive, Affordable Communities
At Sahara Housing, we believe that safe, secure, and affordable housing is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
As the housing crisis deepens across the UK, we are expanding our mission to play a leading role in delivering social housing for communities in need.
What Is Social Housing?
Social housing refers to low-cost rental homes provided to people whose housing needs are not met by the open market. These homes are typically:
- Rented at below-market rates
- Allocated based on need, not income alone
- Managed by Registered Providers (like housing associations or community-led organisations)
Social housing provides long-term security and a platform for stability, particularly for vulnerable individuals, families on low incomes, and those affected by housing inequality.
Why We're Getting Involved
For years, Sahara Housing has operated in the Supported Exempt Accommodation (SEA)sector—delivering accommodation and support services to vulnerable individuals across the region. We’ve seen the impact of poor-quality, insecure, or unaffordable housing on our clients’ lives.
Now, we’re taking the next step.
We’re in the process of applying to become a Registered Provider of Social Housing, which will allow us to:
- Develop and manage permanent, high-quality social homes
- Offer genuinely affordable rent options
- Create secure tenancies that promote community, dignity, and independence
The Need Has Never Been Greater
- Over 1.2 million households are on the social housing waiting list in England alone(as of 2023).
- 1 in 4 renters in the private sector spend more than 40% of their income on rent.
- Over 100,000 households live in temporary accommodation, often unsuitable for long-term living.
In our core operating areas, we regularly encounter individuals in need of stable, affordable housing but unable to access it. Many fall through the cracks – relying on short-term or unregulated housing arrangements that do not meet their needs
Our Social Housing Vision
In the coming year, Sahara Housing plans to:
- Convert a portion of our current accommodation into registered social housing
- Acquire or lease new properties specifically to be let as social homes
- Work with local authorities and Homes England to co-produce solutions
- Embed community development, support services, and tenancy sustainment in to every home we provide
Our goal is to create homes that don’t just house—but heal, empower, and uplift.
If you’re a local authority, housing partner, funder, or potential resident interested in our plans — or if you want to collaborate — please reach out.
Together, we can build housing that serves people—not profit.