The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published statistics about the social housing sector, including stock ownership and rents as of 31 March 2026.

Returns from all private and local authority registered providers show that the sector provides around 4.6 million homes across England, with a net increase of around 36,000 social homes since 2025.

This overall rise has been driven by an increase of over 24,000 in affordable rent homes and 13,390 increase in low-cost homeownership homes. However, there was also a decrease of just over 1,700 social rent homes.

Private registered providers had a net gain of 7,829 social rent homes. Local authorities saw a decrease of 9,570 social rent homes (likely to be primarily driven by right to buy sales and other schemes). Private registered providers built, purchased or acquired the majority of new homes in the sector, accounting for 88% of the total increase in affordable rent and 97% for low-cost homeownership properties.

The statistics show that 82% of social homes in England are general needs (social rent and affordable rent), while supported housing makes up 11% and low-cost homeownership 6%.

London has the greatest proportion of registered provider owned homes with 19.4% of all social homes in this area, while the North East has the fewest – accounting for only 5.4% of the overall total.

Birmingham is the local authority area with the largest volume of social housing at just over 107,000 homes.

The average increase in general needs (social rent) average weekly net rents was 3.2% between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 (in line with the limit set for 2025/26).

The average weekly general needs (social rent) weekly rent in England for private registered providers was £121.72, though this varied across the country. Average rents were lowest in the North East (£100.31) and highest in London (£154.73).

Rents for local authorities are lower on average than for private registered providers.

Will Perry, RSH Director of Strategy, said: “This analysis provides a vital picture of the sector’s resilience and the challenges it continues to face. It helps ensure social landlords can plan effectively, manage risks and make informed decisions that support safe, decent homes for current and future tenants.

“It is encouraging to see providers investing in both new homes and a better understanding of their existing stock. Good quality data is essential to making the right strategic decisions for residents and the long-term health of organisations.”