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.
Amy, a mother of four young children, had been living in a hectic, overcrowded two-bedroom flat where her family didn’t have the space to thrive. With her eldest reaching an age where she needed her own room, and her children regularly asking when they were going to move, it became clear the home was no longer suitable for their needs.
Eventually, Amy was invited to bid on a brand new three-bedroom house at Abri’s Sherecroft Meadows development - and was successful.
“When they called me up and told me my bid was accepted, it was amazing. My kids were so excited when I told them we were moving home. When we moved in, they were jumping around everywhere, they couldn’t believe it. They immediately took their shoes off, ran upstairs and started choosing their new bedrooms!”
With more space and a private garden, the family have been able to truly settle, leading to a much richer life for both Amy and her children.
“We’re all so much happier here. There’s a really great network of people, and we’ve already become close with our neighbours across the road. The kids have made great friends, they’re always round to play.”
“Our new home means so much to me as well as my kids. I’m quite a tidy person, and I used to struggle because they could only really play in the living room. Now they have their own space, they’ve got the freedom to play in their bedrooms and make them their own.”
Across the UK, the housing crisis continues to shape people’s lives in profound ways, just like Amy and her family’s. For many, the idea of having a safe, stable, affordable place to call home still feels out of reach. Long waiting lists, rising rents, and limited supply 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 our south region, the longest waiting lists are in Southampton, with 9,668 people waiting to be housed, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with 3,144.
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 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 hundreds 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. 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 region, we built 230 new homes, including the first phase of Sherecroft Meadows in Hampshire, where 52 of the 115 homes were completed. 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 with a once in a generation investment into housing, it’s a challenge that can be tackled. Progress is possible, and building new homes, leveraging partnerships and investing into existing homes is how we’ll achieve it.
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. In our south region, we plan to build 1,917 new homes over the next five years.
Read our full 2026-31 Corporate Strategy and Investment Strategy here.