Transferring stock
Transferring housing stock to a Registered Providers of social housing (including former Registered Social Landlords) is a well-established means of securing investment for the improvement of social housing.
Registered Providers of social housing, also known as housing associations, are not-for-profit organisations that own or manage social rented housing. They are run by volunteers, including tenant representatives, and are regulated by the Tenant Services Authority. Registered Providers of social housing can borrow money from banks and building societies in order to make improvements to the transferred housing.
As well as delivering improvements to tenants' homes, housing stock transfer facilitates greater tenant involvement in the management of their homes and contributes to wider community regeneration. Transferring housing stock to an Registered Providers of social housing also enables the local authority to focus on more strategic housing issues.
The transfer process
Local authorities that are considering transferring housing stock to Registered Providers of social housing are required to work closely with tenants at all stages of the transfer process. The local authority has to carry out an Options Appraisal, with input from tenants, to consider alternative ways of achieving the decent homes target. The appraisal has to be approved by the relevant Government Office before the transfer can go ahead.
Large-scale transfers
Local authorities seeking to transfer more than 500 homes to a single Registered Providers of social housing must do so through the Large Scale Voluntary Transfer (LSVT) programme, which allows transfers to be completed over two years. Large transfers can only be made to Registered Providers of social housing registered with the Tenants Services Authority and require the support of a majority of tenants as well as consent from the Secretary of State.
- Map showing completed and proposed LSVTs in England – PDF (956kb)
- Table of all completed LSVTs – Excel (128kb)
Our role
The HCA provides support and advice to local authorities and other stakeholders on housing transfer bids and make recommendations to Communities and Local Government as to whether consent should be given to transfers. We also ensure that tenants are fully engaged in the housing transfer process and monitor progress against transfer milestones.
Contact details
Mick Cowan
mick.cowan@hca.gsx.gov.uk
Last updated: 12 May 2010