When we talk about the homes we build, it’s easy to focus on the figures. Our ‘more than numbers’ series looks beyond the statistics and explores the real impact of affordable housing through the stories of people whose lives have been changed by a new home. From first-time buyers taking their first step onto the property ladder, to families finding the stability and space they need to thrive, these stories show why building homes matters, and what those homes make possible.
For nearly a decade, Ali and Yasmin had been stuck in the private rental market, most recently renting a two-bedroom maisonette in Greenford, West London. With their rent going up every year, the couple faced trying to save for a deposit whilst paying rising rents.
Broadening their search outside of London, Ali and Yasmin found a two-bedroom Shared Ownership apartment at Horlicks Quarter in Slough, which turned out to be the perfect option for their family.
“The cost of getting onto the property ladder was a major hurdle for us, so we'd investigated other homebuying schemes and various ISAs, however they had ended by the time we were ready, and the terms of the savings accounts didn't work for us."
“When we came across the Horlicks Quarter and Shared Ownership, and explained our finances to the team, it seemed like it was the perfect fit. Prior to seeing the development, I hadn’t even considered moving to Slough, however after visiting and realising it was only 20 minutes into London by train and also how lovely the development and surrounding area is, we were sold."
Ali and Yasmin’s story is a perfect example of how the housing crisis continues to shape people’s lives in profound ways, and where affordable housing can make all the difference. For many, the idea of having a safe, stable, affordable place to call home still feels out of reach. Long waiting lists, rising rents on the private market, and the limited supply of truly affordable homes available for rent and to own mean families are often left in limbo, unable to plan for the future, put down roots, or feel truly secure.
The consequences of this have been felt across the country, with over 1.3 million people on waiting lists for social housing in England as of March 2025. In Abri’s south east region, the longest waiting lists are in Basingstoke and Deane, with 4,465 people waiting to be housed, and Reading with 3,682. In Bracknell Forest, there are 1,479 people in the waiting list. And home ownership is out of reach for so many too, with average house prices climbing higher and higher.
But behind every statistic is a story like Ali and Yasmin’s- a young couple hoping to buy their first home, a single parent trying to give their children stability, or a vulnerable person looking to improve their circumstances. Whatever their stories, so many across the country are simply looking for a place they can feel safe and settled.
At Abri, we believe everyone has the right to safe, warm and affordable home. Over the past year, we’ve been working hard to turn that belief into a reality for thousands across the south of England.
Building more homes
In 2025/26, we delivered 1,123 new homes, our highest number in a single year, supported by a record £350 million investment.
Specifically in our south east region, we built 614 new homes, including 87 affordable homes at St Cloud Way in Maidenhead and 72 affordable homes at Portugal Road in Woking town centre, with both schemes delivered in partnership with Vistry.
Work is also well underway at the Granges (formally Sawyers Close) on our largest regeneration project yet. The redevelopment will see 413 new affordable, high-quality homes replace the previous outdated buildings, helping to address housing need in Windsor and Maidenhead.
Whilst this is a milestone for us as a housing provider, what matters most is what those homes give. Rose Bean, our Chief Investment Officer, puts it best: “These homes are not just numbers; they represent safe, stable places where individuals and families can thrive.”
Looking ahead
The housing crisis remains one of the biggest challenges facing the UK today. But with the backing of the UK government, it’s a challenge that can be tackled.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved this year, but we know there is much more to do. Our 2026-2031 corporate strategy places building more high-quality, affordable homes as one of our three core themes. Supported by our investment strategy, we plan to invest record amounts into our existing homes and double the number of new homes we build to 20,000 by 2036. In our south east region, we plan to build 2,544 new homes over the next five years.
Read Abri’s full 2026-31 Corporate Strategy and Investment Strategy here.