Norwich Housing Society: Affordable housing for over 65s

“I’ve got arthritis and a suite of other health niggles. This bungalow suits me down to the ground.” Read our case study on Norwich Housing Society.

Social Need

According to the government’s last English Housing Survey, more than 1 million over 65s live in a property that doesn’t meet the Decent Homes Standard. Almost one in 10 live in homes with a Category 1 hazard, such as damp and mould. Older renters often have specific needs, such as level access, but are usually retired and may struggle to find a suitable property that they can afford to rent.

Organisation

Norwich Housing Society provides almost 350 safe, affordable homes for older people in Norwich. Most of the properties are fully accessible one-bedroom flats on small developments. To help tenants maintain their independence safely, the housing society gives them pendant alarms and each flat comes with a warden call system.

CEO John Newstead adds, “We liaise with various agencies to ensure that each tenant gets the support they need. We can also refer people to other organisations. For example, if a tenant is having financial difficulties, we can refer them to a local money advice service.”

Loan

Norwich Housing Society has three Charity Bank loans. The latest was used to help the society buy 14 one-bedroom homes. John explains, “We had nine one-bed flats that were going to need a lot of money to bring up to the new building standards. So, we rehomed the tenants and sold the flats to help finance this new development. We also got a grant from the local authority, but we couldn’t have gone ahead with the project without a loan.”

The new flats were specifically designed for older people and are all wheelchair accessible. Tenants pay just £99-£104 a week, which is around half the cost of renting privately in the area.

Impact

Norwich Housing Society tenants benefit from living in a warm, safe, energy-efficient home, but the benefits don’t stop there. Each development is a small community. According to Age UK, 1.4 million older people are often lonely. To help tackle this, Norwich Housing Society helps to bring people together through shared social spaces and regular activities, which are supported by scheme managers.

“I’ve been here almost two years now and this bungalow suits me down to the ground. I’ve got arthritis and a suite of other health niggles. The bungalow is on the ground floor so very convenient. It’s well-thought-out, finished to a high standard and has a good outlook. All in all, it’s very pleasant here.”

Bill Chapman, a tenant in one of the homes financed with a Charity Bank loan