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.
Jessica's story
After spending 12 years on the waiting list for housing in Bristol and struggling with her private landlord repeatedly trying to evict her, mum of two Jessica couldn’t believe it when she finally received an email from her housing officer asking if she wanted to view a new home.
“The house was so bad, and the landlord kept talking about increasing my rent. The boiler would regularly break, and I had a leaky toilet for a week at one point, which led to me buying a replacement myself.”
Jessica’s poor relationship with her landlord got to the point where she was taken to court for eviction in January 2025, but the case was thrown out as the landlord didn’t attend the hearing. Despite this, Jessica received two more eviction notices from their landlord after.
“It was a nightmare that made my anxiety so much worse – the thought I might have to go into temporary accommodation was really scary for me.”
It was after hearing about Jessica’s eviction notices, that she was placed in a higher priority band to receive social housing. And in March 2026, Jessica finally received an email inviting her to view a new-build home she’d been offered at Abri’s development at Lockleaze in Bristol.
“I thought it was a joke at first. But now I’m settled, it’s so amazing to be here. I wake up and I just smile. Where I was desperate, I would have taken anything, but I feel like I hit the jackpot. My anxiety was so bad where I was before, but since being in my new home, it has gone down massively.”
Across the UK, the housing crisis continues to shape people’s lives in profound ways, just like Jessica’s. For a long time, the thought of having a safe, stable and affordable place to call felt out of reach for her, just like it does for many on the waiting list today. This leaves families in limbo, unable to plan for the future, put down roots, or feel truly secure.
The consequences of the limited supply of affordable housing 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 our south west region, the longest waiting lists are in Bristol, with 22,464 people waiting to be housed, and across rural Somerset with 12,473.
But behind every statistic is a story, a single parent trying to give their children stability, a vulnerable person trying to improve their circumstances, or a young couple hoping to buy their first home. Whatever their stories, so many across the country are simply looking for a place they can feel safe and settled.
At Abri, we know what a safe, warm and affordable home can do for people, and we believe everyone has the right to that. Over the past year, we’ve been working hard to turn that belief into a reality for thousands across the south west 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. The vast majority of these homes,1,093, are affordable, helping to meet the urgent demand for housing that people can genuinely afford. That includes homes for social and affordable rent, as well as shared ownership options.
Specifically in our south west region, we built 269 new homes, including 107 homes at The Old Brewery in Bristol, one of the city’s largest affordable housing developments, and 40 new homes at Herkomer Close in Lockleaze, using modern methods of construction. Whilst this is a milestone for us as a housing provider, what matters most is what those homes represent: opportunity and security for thousands of households.
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 west region, we plan to build 2,012 new homes over the next five years.
Read Abri’s full 2026-31 Corporate Strategy and Investment Strategy here.