Sales of Former Council Houses Trigger Concern for Housing Goals

So, a council member, Robin Stuchbury, spoke up recently. He’s worried about Fairhive selling some houses. These homes once belonged to the Aylesbury Vale District Council. Fairhive used to be called Aylesbury Housing Trust.

Fairhive is a ‘not-for-profit’ group. They manage around 9,000 homes in three counties: Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Northamptonshire.

Stuchbury stated Fairhive is selling homes that might not meet energy standards by 2030. The council wants to build 500 affordable homes each year from 2024 to 2029.

At the meeting, Stuchbury asked if Fairhive’s sales affect the council’s housing goal. He wanted to know if those sales would create problems.

Mark Winn responded to Stuchbury’s concern, making it clear the issue is separate and does not impact their own housing strategy target.

Winn also said the money helps matters overall because Fairhive will reinvest funds from these sales. This action ensures the total housing numbers stay stable.

Fairhive stated they only sell a few properties that cost too much to fix and need upgrades, explaining that some homes are just not practical.

A Fairhive spokesperson explained their strategy to the local press, stating they sell places at market value. Then, they use the money to build new homes.

Fairhive sold six old council homes this year. Six more sold in 2023/24, and only two were sold back in 2022/23.