Housing Associations & Co-operatives

What is a housing association?

Housing associations are independent, not-for-profit organisations and provide homes for people in housing need. They are now the country's major providers of new homes for rent. Many also run shared ownership schemes to help people who cannot afford to buy their own homes outright. Over recent years a number of local authorities have transferred all or part of their housing stock to independent social landlords. These organisations are often referred to as Large Scale Voluntary Transfer organisations or Local Housing Companies.

What is a housing co-operative?

A housing co-operative is a society controlled by its members whose objects include the provision of housing for its members by means of construction, improvement or management. Housing co-operatives are normally registered as Industrial & Provident Societies with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and do not trade for profit.