Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) 2026 to 2036

By Tim West · 7 November 2025

The government has published its guidance for housing providers about funding for development of affordable housing through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) 2026 to 2036.

The guidance sets out an ambitious framework which prioritises the delivery of around 300,000 social and affordable homes in this parliament. At least 60% of the total homes are to be for social rent, with an additional focus on an increase of council housebuilding either directly from councils or in partnership with registered social and affordable homes providers.

The programme also aims to increase the delivery of more specialist and supported housing, along with community-led and rural housing schemes.

SAHP 2026 to 2036 funding bids are welcomed from both for-profit and not-for-profit registered providers, local authorities, housebuilders, charities and community led organisations, and all bids will need to demonstrate how their plans will contribute to the priorities above.

The guidance also includes the regeneration of existing social housing estates, a key factor in meeting the requirements for additional social and affordable homes. Proposals for regeneration will need to demonstrate that they provide additional social and affordable homes as well as regenerating existing homes, and represent good value for money.

Bidding is expected to open in February 2026, subject to subsidy control compliance. Bids will be assessed on value for money, strategic fit, and deliverability. In addition, all schemes will need to align with good practice set out in Homes England’s Healthy Homes guidance, along with national and local legislative, regulatory and planning policy requirements and practice, as well as other legislation.

The Government are also calling on all RPs to support the effective delivery of Section 106 homes.

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At ARK, our development and regeneration specialists can support you with your bid process, providing advice and assurance on the requirements of the SAHP 2026 to 2036 guidance and navigating the challenges of the process, providing you with a robust bid which meets expectations and ultimately helps you to deliver the much needed, high quality homes that residents deserve.

Our Development and Regeneration Services include:

• Interim Management
• Grant bids claim management
• Team Structure Reviews
• Policies and Procedures
• Research
• Shared Ownership sales and processes
• Stock rationalisation, acquisition and disposals
• Project Management
• Bid writing
• Site finding
• Viability Studies
• HE and GLA scheme Audit
  and more…
  
  Development Director Tim West has more than 25 years of experience in development and regeneration, both within the public and private sectors. Get in touch with us today to get ahead with your bid.
  
  

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