The Trends Shaping Social Housing in 2025

The Future of Social Housing Management in the UK

The social housing sector is at a crossroads — and it’s not one of those nice, cinematic ones where you can pick a direction and cruise. No, this is a complex, fast-moving junction, with economic hurdles, political changes, and rising demands for sustainability and digital innovation all vying for attention.

And so, as 2024 fades into the rear-view mirror, housing associations (HAs) and local authorities need to stay nimble and ahead of the curve. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! From social housing management software to asset management and decarbonisation, we’ll explore the key trends that are likely to shape the future of social housing in 2025 and beyond. Let’s dive in!

Trend: Economic and Political Adaption

Housing associations will need to stay agile in navigating an evolving political and economic landscape. Under the Labour government’s first budget in 2024, the government is set to consult on a new five-year rent settlement, likely tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%, providing much-needed funding certainty for HAs. There’s also discussion of a possible 10-year rent agreement, which would offer even longer-term stability.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also announced a £500 million top-up to the Affordable Homes Programme (AHP), aimed at delivering 5,000 new affordable homes. However, housing providers must keep a close eye on government policy and post-2026 funding announcements, as these decisions will directly affect their ability to deliver new homes and maintain existing stock.

Moreover, housing providers will need to monitor the allocation of grant funding, as it will shape both long-term investment and ongoing strategies and maintenance costs.

Trend: New Technology and Data-Driven Decision Making

The capabilities of social housing management software is expanding rapidly, and housing providers will need to adapt quickly to remain competitive. A key area of investment is in asset management software. Solutions like Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) from Totalmobile is helping housing providers transition away from reactive to proactive and preventive maintenance models, improving operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction.

Trend: Sustainability and Decarbonisation

Sustainability will be a central focus for housing associations in 2025, with retrofitting housing stock to meet net-zero targets becoming critical. Buildings account for 40% of global emissions, making energy-efficient retrofits one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon footprints and lower residents’ energy costs. Despite the availability of technology to make homes net-zero ready, housing providers face challenges in accessing scalable finance. To unlock investment, they need robust, validated data on housing stock conditions and evidence of the efficacy of low-carbon solutions.

Accurate data is essential throughout the retrofit process, from initial assessments to securing funding and executing projects. However, many housing associations struggle due to a lack of recent, complete, and validated information on their properties. This can delay decision-making and hinder progress. By implementing solutions like Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM), housing providers can maintain up-to-date data, prioritise retrofitting efforts effectively, and attract the necessary investment, ultimately contributing to decarbonisation goals while improving energy efficiency and reducing costs for residents.

Trend: Community-Centric Housing Models

As the housing sector moves forward, social cohesion and community well-being are taking centre stage. Housing providers will increasingly focus on creating inclusive communities, prioritising mixed-use developments that integrate social housing with local amenities. This approach ensures that social housing is not just about providing homes but fostering environments where residents can thrive.

Tenant engagement will remain a top priority. Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, actively involving tenants in decision-making processes will ensure that developments reflect the needs of the community. This engagement will help shape the future of social housing with developments aligned to the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. The result? The creation sustainable, vibrant neighbourhoods.

Trend: Resident Empowerment Through Digital Tools

To enhance the resident experience, providers can embrace digital tools, such as self-service portals. These tools empower tenants by providing convenient access to essential services, enabling them to manage their housing needs efficiently. Self-service features, such as the ability to report maintenance issues, track the status of repairs, and communicate directly with housing staff, will streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction.

Additionally, remote assistance tools will provide added support to tenants and field operatives alike. The ability to share live video streams with technical support officers will allow residents to receive guidance in real time. For simple issues, remote assistance can offer immediate solutions, while more complex repairs can be triaged, reducing unnecessary visits. This not only enhances the tenant experience but also improves first-time fix rates and reduces operational costs. All interactions will be recorded, ensuring that there is a clear, traceable record for future reference.

Trend: Navigating Regulatory and Compliance Pressures

The regulatory environment is becoming increasingly stringent, with heightened scrutiny around governance, building safety, and tenant satisfaction. Housing associations must stay ahead of these regulatory changes, ensuring compliance with new frameworks like the Building Safety Act (2022) and Social Housing Act (2023).

As Chrissi Jackson, Chief Product Officer at Totalmobile, pointed out:

“With regulatory demands increasing and financial pressures mounting, the need for an integrated, robust asset management system has never been more crucial. Totalmobile solutions provide a comprehensive, data-driven approach that helps housing providers manage assets more effectively and remain compliant.”

By adopting robust asset management systems like Asset Lifecycle Management, housing associations are supported to stay on top of compliance requirements and ensure transparency, all while optimising operational costs.