The number of homes for social rent owned by England’s social landlords dropped by over 6,000 in the last year, new statistics from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) have revealed.

Despite the drop in social rent properties, the country’s providers increased their combined stock of homes for affordable rent by 26,000, with an additional 14,000 created for low-cost homeownership.

Local authorities saw a fall of around 9,000 homes for social rent, while private registered providers built, purchased or acquired around 3,000, which partially offset the decline. This led to the first increase in general needs social rent homes by private registered providers since 2017, with a large proportion added by for-profit providers.

Private registered providers built, purchased or acquired the majority of new homes in the sector, accounting for 87% of the total increase in affordable rent and 98% for low-cost homeownership properties.

The statistics show that 83% of social homes in England are general needs (social rent and affordable rent), while supported housing makes up 11% and low-cost homeownership 6%.

Private registered providers built, purchased or acquired the majority of new homes in the sector, accounting for 87% of the total increase in Affordable Rent and 98% for low cost home ownership properties.

The statistics show that 83% of social homes in England are general needs (social rent and affordable rent), while supported housing makes up 11% and low-cost homeownership 6%.

Private registered providers also reported that 68% of homes had an energy efficiency certificate rating of EPC-C or above, and 23% had a rating of EPC-D.

As expected, rents increased over the year. The average increase in general needs (social rent) average weekly net rents was 4.1% between 31 March 2022 and 31 March 2023 (in line with the limit set for 2022/23). The average weekly general needs rent in England was £98.20 with variations across different regions of the country. Rents were lowest in the North East (£82.08) and highest in London (£121.09).

The data shows that levels of sales, lettings and evictions seem to be stabilising after a few years of fluctuation during and following the coronavirus pandemic.

Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said: “Our statistics for 2022/23 show that the sector continues to build and acquire much-needed new social homes across the country.

“These data are a really important reference point for registered providers and anyone who wants to understand the key trends in the sector over the past year. It is essential that providers continue to have good quality data to inform their strategic decision-making, especially around rents and the condition of homes.”

The statistics are available on the RSH website.