Aster Group aims to build 3,000 homes by 2023

By 2023, the housing association, Aster Group aim to build 2,980 new homes after surpassing their target during the year to March 2021. Last year, they built 928 homes which was almost 200 more than was expected at the beginning of the pandemic and was achieved through higher-than-expected productivity levels.

Of the 928 homes, 478 were sold for social or affordable rent, 339 for shared ownership and the other 111 were built for open market sale. The number of homes represents an investment of £160 million over the past 12 months.

Aster Group manages over 32,000 homes across the South of England and announced a merger with Central & Cecil, which specialises in affordable housing and care for the over 55s.

Other key developments include their joint venture with housebuilder Vistry Homes, a 130-unit scheme based in Horsham, alongside Aster’s first National Park development in Dartmoor National Park, delivering 28 homes to local residents.

Amanda Williams, Aster’s group development director, said: “We’ve been ambitious and had an incredibly successful year for our development programme, despite the challenges facing the entire housing industry. The next few years will be critical in redressing the inequalities exposed over the last 12 months for those still looking to find a home in a place they want to live, and the 2,980 homes in our pipeline will play no small part. Access to quality, affordable housing is a fundamental right that many are still deprived of and we’re well-positioned and determined to play a key role in changing that.”