How new funding for 70,000 social homes could help you find a genuinely affordable rental

The government has announced the first wave of a major new social housing programme. Over 70,000 new social and affordable homes across England have been given funding. At least 60% will be Social Rent — the most affordable type of rented home available.

What is Social Rent?

Social Rent is housing provided by councils and housing associations. The rent is set well below what private landlords charge in the same area.

If you are on Universal Credit (UC) or Housing Benefit, Social Rent is one of the most affordable options you can find. Your UC housing element or Housing Benefit is set to cover your actual Social Rent. You will not face the same shortfall that many private renters do, where the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) often falls short of the full rent.

What the government has announced

On 25 August 2026, the government announced £9.58 billion in funding for 73,600 new homes across England. This is the first wave of a wider £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme running until 2036.

The full programme aims to build up to 300,000 new social and affordable homes over 10 years. At least 60% — around 180,000 of those homes — will be for Social Rent.

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How to get yourself in the queue

New Social Rent homes are not rented directly. You apply through your council's housing register, sometimes called the housing waiting list.

You can join your local housing register now, even before any new homes are built. Being registered means you are in line when a suitable home becomes free.

Here is what to do:

1. Go to your council's website and search for "housing register" or "apply for social housing."
2. Fill in the application — you will need to give your income, your current housing situation, and the number of people in your household.
3. Your council will give you a priority band based on how urgently you need a home.

Councils give the highest priority to people in temporary accommodation, those living in very overcrowded homes, and those facing eviction.

Universal Credit and Social Rent

If you are offered a Social Rent home, update your UC journal straight away to record your new rent. Your housing element will be adjusted to cover your actual Social Rent.

If you need help with your housing register application or your UC claim, Citizens Advice offers free advice. Shelter has specialist housing advisers if you are facing homelessness or urgent housing need.