The transfer focuses Orbit’s reach to its core geographical areas…
Orbit Group Limited has completed a transaction to transfer 2,227 homes to Raven Housing Trust.
The transfer comprises a range of tenures across nine local authorities outside of Orbit’s core geographical areas.
Orbit manage around 46,000 affordable homes in the midlands, east and south east of England, and build around 1,000 new affordable homes every year.
Following the transfer Raven Housing Trust, who are based in Surrey, own or manage over 9,500 homes in the south east.
The proceeds generated from the transfer will be reinvested into Orbit Group’s core geographies, supporting the delivery of its 2030 Strategy, including investment in existing and new homes.
Phil Andrew, Chief Executive at Orbit, said: “As part of our 2030 Strategy, we’re working to optimise the core geographical areas where we work and build, to enable us to be more consistent as a great social landlord for our customers.
“We believe customers receive the best service when their landlord has a strong presence in the area and are confident that Raven Housing Trust will provide long-term benefits for customers.
“Reducing the number of local authorities in which we operate means we can focus further on improving customer satisfaction, value for money and services for customers in our core areas, as well as expanding our presence in these areas to provide more people with a good quality home that they can afford, in a place that they are proud to live.”
The majority of homes transferred from Orbit to Raven on completion of the transaction, with the remainder following a phased transfer plan.
Jonathan Higgs, Chief Executive of Raven Housing Trust, said: “The transfer of 2,227 homes to Raven marks an exciting milestone for our organisation and a significant step forward in our ambition to make an even greater difference across the south east.
By growing from providing over 7,000 homes to more than 9,500, we are strengthening our position as a locally focused affordable housing provider; one that understands the communities we serve and is committed to investing in their future.
As a housing association that has been rooted in the south east for 25 years, we know these neighbourhoods, understand the needs of local communities and are already working at the heart of them. For customers, this means having a landlord with local teams in place, local knowledge and a genuine commitment to delivering excellent services and support.”