This week we’re celebrating Rural Housing Week 2026, an opportunity to highlight the vital role affordable housing plays in helping rural communities thrive.
Across the UK, rising house prices, limited housing supply and increasing demand continue to make it difficult for local people to find homes they can afford, putting pressure on families, businesses and essential community services.
We understand that a good-quality, secure and affordable home is vital to people’s health, wellbeing, employment opportunities and sense of community. We recognise that housing is a key part of sustainable communities, helping people put down roots and turn houses into homes.
Rural Housing Week highlights the importance of delivering homes that enable younger people to remain in their local area, support older residents to stay close to family and support networks, and help sustain local schools, businesses and services.
This commitment is reflected in our ongoing development programme. We are delighted to have recently taken handover of six new affordable homes at Upper Coly Valley, Northleigh, delivered in partnership with Coyde Construction.
Located in a beautiful rural setting just four miles from Honiton, the development provides a mix of three two-bedroom homes, one three-bedroom home and two one-bedroom homes for Social Rent.
The new homes offer residents the opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity of rural living while remaining connected to local services and employment opportunities. Developments such as Upper Coly Valley demonstrate how carefully planned affordable housing can help address local housing need and support the long-term sustainability of rural communities
Housing associations, local authorities, community organisations and landowners all have a role to play in identifying local housing needs and delivering homes that make a lasting difference.
We are committed to continuing our development programme, building new homes that meet current and future housing needs while investing in our existing homes.
Rural Housing Week is about creating opportunities, supporting local economies and ensuring people can continue to live in the places they call home. By delivering great homes and working together with our partners, we can help sustain vibrant rural communities for generations to come.