Fostering Thriving Communities in the North East

Here at NEPI, we are dedicated to fostering thriving communities in the North East of England, with a special focus on ethical investment in social housing. NEPI’s commitment to providing affordable rental accommodation for all is at the heart of everything we do.

Our Latest Social Housing Project

This latest project is a meticulously sourced, refurbished, and leased property for a satisfied client. This 5-year lease to a PLC for social housing is just one example of NEPI’s 150+ successful projects. If you’re seeking 8%+ yields, supported by a trusted UK PLC, reach out to us today.

Our Ethos

At NEPI, we care deeply about the people and communities across the North East of England. We believe that good quality, affordable rental accommodation should be available to all, no matter their circumstances. Having your ‘own front door,’ which feels like a home, is the foundation for allowing people to maximize their potential and improve their lives and the areas around them. We work in collaboration with others to create stable, secure, trusting, and supportive environments where people feel they belong.

Our Partners

NEPI partners closely with leading social housing providers who share our commitment to delivering safe, quality homes that surpass government standards. In the last decade, we’ve provided thousands of bed spaces, ranging from one-bedroom flats to large apartment blocks.

If you’re involved in supported accommodation—whether a local authority, Community Interest Company (CIC), Registered Provider of social housing, housing association, or charity—we’re here to assist. We specialize in locating property portfolios, apartment blocks, and care homes. Additionally, we excel in identifying suitable land for eco-friendly, socially-conscious housing development.

Invest in Social Housing

Investing in social housing offers predictable, long-term, inflation-linked cash flow while delivering positive societal impacts. Since 2020, NEPI has sourced and sold over £22 million in properties and developments to institutions and high-net-worth individuals. These investors have benefited from the stability and length of the investments available in the North East, whether property portfolios, freehold apartment blocks, or buildings specifically adapted for our clients.

NEPI has facilitated investments in social housing in the UK, providing opportunities for investors to contribute to addressing housing needs while generating a steady financial return. If you are an institution, REIT, social impact fund, family office, or experienced high-net-worth investor looking to invest in social housing, contact us to discuss the opportunities we currently have.

Property Management & Support Services

Our in-house company, North East Property Management & Lettings (NEPLM), oversees the day-to-day management of over 200 properties that specifically provide public housing across areas such as Newcastle upon Tyne, County Durham, Gateshead, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, Hartlepool, and Teesside. NEPLM ensures ongoing compliance, safety, and standards of our properties.  They are on hand to attend to properties around the clock, allowing our partners to provide the care and support to help our tenants thrive.

We provide property management services to various entities across the north and often advise organizations that playing to each other’s strengths is key. We are experts in social housing asset management and the refurbishment and development of buildings, allowing organizations to concentrate on the care and support of the service users.

Very few aggregators in this space are taking ownership of projects and offering ‘end-to-end’ solutions for clients. We pride ourselves on this and welcome conversations about how we can help.

Pros and Cons of Investment in Social Housing

The Upsides of Social Housing Property Investment

• No Maintenance and Management Costs: Property management, including tenant placement and upkeep, is handled by the housing operator, typically a local council or housing association. This relieves landlords of maintenance and management burdens.
• Hassle-Free Property Investments: With an operating provider and Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI) lease agreements, landlords enjoy a hands-off investment experience. The housing association handles maintenance, damages, rent collection, and tenant management.
• High Social Impact: Investing in social housing for supported living provides essential rental accommodation for those unable to afford market rents, fostering familial stability, financial independence, community cohesion, and economic development.
• Secure Returns: Social housing investment offers attractive, secure returns due to the high demand for such properties in the UK. The sector’s fundamental role and governmental encouragement of investment underpin its stability and profitability.
• Diversification: Incorporating affordable housing into an investment portfolio provides diversification, mitigating volatility associated with other asset types like stocks and shares.
• FRI Lease Agreements: FRI leases transfer property maintenance responsibilities to social housing tenants, resulting in potential cost savings for landlords and ensuring stable, predictable income streams.
• Long-Term Investment: Social housing investments typically require a long-term commitment, offering stability and low-risk prospects over an extended period.
• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Many social housing projects in the UK prioritize sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and designs, appealing to socially responsible investors.

Challenges of Social Housing Property Investment

• Limited Choice of Location: The restricted geographic options for social housing can impact property attractiveness and tenant appeal.
• Renting Restrictions: Social housing lease agreements often prohibit renting properties on the open market, limiting landlord flexibility.
• Legal Costs and Taxes: Acquiring social housing in the UK incurs legal fees and taxes, necessitating careful budget planning.

The Addison Act

The Addison Act of 1919 marked a pivotal moment in UK housing history, prioritizing the construction of affordable housing. This legislation emphasized the responsibility of local councils in providing council homes to house tenants in need. Council housing became a cornerstone of national housing policy, supported by government funding and public funding to ensure a steady expansion of affordable living spaces.

In recent years, there has been a growing shift towards private finance in housing development, increasing private renting options. However, it’s essential to strike a balance to ensure social rents remain accessible to all segments of society. Local councils play a crucial role in maintaining the availability of affordable homes, making it a vital component of the national housing strategy.

Contact Us

At NEPI, we take pride in providing our clients with the highest level of service and support. If you’re looking for a reliable, experienced, and knowledgeable partner to help you invest in social housing in the North East of England, look no further than NEPI. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your investment goals while contributing to the community.