A property investment platform is appealing to landlords to make festive ethical investments – and it cites charity figures to make the case.
Specialist Supported Housing is marketing properties from £144,000 and pledges “assured high interest rental yields.”
These are ready built, pre-approved properties to be immediately tenanted by the vulnerable, it says.
The platform says that 2025 is set to see record numbers of people out of permanent, secure accommodation over the Christmas period.
The latest data from the Crisis charity claims that over 300,000 families and individuals across the UK are now experiencing the worst forms of homelessness which is an increase of 91% since 2021. Shelter has also released similar figures, reporting that currently one in 160 of people in England are now considered homeless, with a 17% increase in those living in unsuitable temporary accommodation and a 27% increase in rough sleepers.
Working alongside the Nurture Housing Association, the Specialist Supported Housing platform says it’s offering “an ethical property investment that will make a meaningful social impact by increasing the provision of safe, comfortable homes for vulnerable adults, strategically located in areas of need across the UK, which will in turn help reduce the stark UK homelessness figures.”
When investors complete on their property purchase a new 25-year FRI (Fully Repairing & Insuring) contract commences with the Community Benefit Society (CBS). The platform states that as the contract is FRI there are no overheads or deductions from the rent, the service charges, ground rent and buildings insurance are all paid for by the Housing Association.
The contract has no break clause, and an upward only annual rent review linked to CPI, offering high yielding returns to the investor whilst supporting vulnerable people throughout the UK in desperate need of a home.
“This completely hands-off investment, with prices starting from £144,000, provides a huge opportunity to domestic and international buyers looking to make a real difference” says the firm.
Benjamin Hunter and Lee Jones, the platform co-founders, say: “The UK is in the midst of record levels of homelessness and the Specialist Supported Housing sector is in crisis as there aren’t enough purpose-built properties available to meet demand. To avoid more families and individuals spending the Christmas period without a home of their own we need to encourage private investment to deliver new housing stock.
“The potential returns and security provide an enticing opportunity for investors and it’s our mission to find ethically minded landlords striving to make a difference whilst earning a healthy return.”