UK Social Housing Sector: What To Expect in 2026

2026 is going to be a pivotal year for the social housing sector. New legislation and policies will have a huge impact on social housing providers and tenants, arriving against a backdrop of delivery challenges and broader societal issues. 

However, with adequate planning and preparation, housing associations and local authorities can ensure they’re ready for these changes and make this year a huge success for their organisations and the communities they serve.

Let’s take a closer look at what to expect.

The Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026 to 2036

Announced by the UK government as part of its long-term housing strategy, the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) 2026 to 2036 is a significant development for affordable housing in England, outside London. 

The programme draws on £27.3 billion of government funding — including £1.2 billion in bridge funding announced in March 2025 — to deliver new social and affordable homes. It’s intended to give registered providers more certainty and clarity when planning long-term development strategies, aiming to reduce build costs and delays.

There are national and regional strategic priorities for SAHP funding. The core objectives of SAHP include:

• Delivering homes for social rent and affordable rent – both critical in addressing chronic housing shortages
• Supporting a mix of tenures, including community-led housing, specialist accommodation and repurposing empty properties
• Encouraging regeneration of existing estates and boosting supply in rural and regional markets that have historically lagged

Source: GOV.UK

Bids for funding are already open, so many in the sector will be keeping an eye on where funding is allocated and whether social housing providers can align their proposals with government priorities.

Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law

We’ve talked at great length about Awaab’s Law this past year, but 2026 is another big year for the scheme, as we witness the rollout of Phase 2. 

This landmark legislation came into force for the social rented sector in October 2025. From this point on, social landlords had to address all emergency hazards and all damp and mould hazards that present a significant risk of harm to tenants within fixed timeframes.  

This year, from October 2026, Awaab’s Law will be extended to include the following hazards where they present a significant risk of harm:

• Excess cold and excess heat
• Falls associated with baths, etc., on level surfaces, on stairs and between levels
• Structural collapse and explosions
• Fire and electrical hazards
• Domestic and personal hygiene and food safety

Source: GOV.UK

The key focus for 2026 is ensuring a smooth transition through Phase 2 implementation, making sure all social landlords and their maintenance teams are robust enough to meet these standards and adhere to timeframes.

In 2027, regulations will be extended to all remaining Housing Health and Safety Rating System hazards (apart from overcrowding) where they present a significant risk of harm.

Beyond the SAHP 2026 to 2036 and Phase 2 of Awaab’s Law, other operational and standards compliance changes to look out for in 2026 include:

• Energy efficiency standards: New Decent Homes Standard requirements around energy performance and the possible introduction of a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for the social rented sector. 
• Heat network regulation: A new regulatory regime for heat networks will take effect on 27 January 2026. Housing associations that operate heat networks will be treated as regulated energy suppliers from this date.
• Skills shortages: Social housing providers will need to continue bridging the skills gap within repairs and maintenance teams.
• Supply chain challenges: Whether it’s domestic or international, supply chains will face significant pressure from economic volatility and geopolitical instability, which could affect ambitious delivery and compliance targets.

This year, social housing associations and local authorities will need to balance development targets with the practical realities of delivering safe, high-quality homes. 

While 2026 could prove challenging, it will also bring significant opportunities for social housing providers if they are prepared. This includes taking steps to:

• Invest in responsive maintenance teams and systems
• Develop staff skills with effective training
• Improve knowledge of housing assets and data quality
• Strengthen tenant engagement and reporting systems
• Collaborating with one another to align delivery with regional needs and work as a unified force

To embrace these changes proactively and improve outcomes for tenants, why not consider partnering with ROCC? 

We will deliver the best housing maintenance solution for your organisation and your customers, saving you money, supporting your team, monitoring performance and improving efficiencies across the board.

Make sure 2026 is a year to remember at your organisation by getting in touch with ROCC to speak with us about our award-winning housing technology solutions.