More than 200 registered providers and councils sign up to clearing service designed to unblock delivery of s106 affordable homes

More than 70 housebuilders have registered to provide details of affordable homes they have planning permission to build, alongside private homes, but have been unable to find a buyer for.

Homes England said it is hoped the service “will play its part in facilitating and accelerating the sale of uncontracted and unsold affordable homes across England, excluding London”.

Chief Customer Officer Ian Workman said: “This is a relatively simple but potentially impactful service that means greater visibility of opportunities to get affordable homes sold and occupied. I would urge house builders in particular to register and add as much detail as they can.

“Over 200 registered providers and local authorities have already signed up, and are regularly checking for potential opportunities to acquire homes for the communities they serve.”

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said: “We recognise the challenge posed by the reduced appetite of registered providers of social housing to buy affordable homes delivered under section 106 agreements.

“The new clearing service we have worked in partnership with Homes England to establish will help improve the functioning of the market and unblock the delivery of section 106 affordable housing.”

Cllr Adam Hug, Local Government Association housing spokesperson, said: “This service is a positive step to promoting stalled sites to registered providers of affordable housing, and the LGA encourages all local authorities to engage with it. But it is just one tool which will help bring forward more affordable housing. Much more needs to be done.”

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, says: “Building new relationships between developers and social housing providers is important in overcoming the immediate challenges, as well as helping developers to understand the requirements of housing associations in the future.

“Housing associations are facing significant competing financial pressures, which is also impacting their ability to both buy Section 106 homes and build other new affordable homes. In the longer term, housing associations are committed to working in partnership with the government on a long-term housing strategy to rebuild their capacity and deliver more much needed social and affordable homes.”