believe housing customers help shape the national housing conversation

Customers at believe housing are contributing to national research exploring the impact of moving into a social housing home.

The research by national charities HACT (Housing Association Charitable Trust) and Shelter, supported by IKEA, asks tenants about the early effects of moving into a new social home. It also examines what happens when there are not enough social rent homes.

Interim findings show clear evidence of positive change for households:

  • 44% of tenants reported improvements in their physical health, while 61% said their mental health had improved.
  • 52% felt better able to afford their rent, and 62% were more confident planning for the future.
  • 59% no longer struggled to afford transport, and 35% said they were better able to save.
  • 51% of tenants who were previously in debt have since cleared it.

The findings demonstrate links between social housing and improved wellbeing, financial stability and greater security for households.

These benefits also extend beyond individual customers, highlighting the overall contribution social housing makes to families, communities and wider society.

The research began in 2024, with interim findings published in September 2025.

It involves tenants from housing associations across the country, including believe housing customers who were invited to take part in the survey after moving into social housing.

Simon Whitaker, Assistant Director of Strategy and Insight at believe housing, said: “The interim findings reflect what we see every day: safe, healthy and affordable homes help people feel secure, stay well and build stable lives, while also delivering broader social and economic benefits.

“As a housing association, part of our role is to be a strong voice for our customers and to ensure lived experience shapes national conversations about housing and wellbeing.

“Customers taking part in this research are helping to build a wider evidence base that deepens understanding of the positive impact of social rent homes and can inform future thinking.”

Read more about the “More than Bricks: the Human and Economic Impact of Social Homes” research and interim report here.