What works: Successful community housing

The Power to Change Research Institute commissioned NatCen Social Research and WPI Economics to study established businesses in the community housing sector, to identify key success factors and draw out lessons for others operating in this sector.

The research focused on the community land trust (CLT) model and four business were studied in-depth: Bishops Castle and District CLT in Shropshire, Bristol CLT, Granby Four Streets CLT in Liverpool, and Homes for Holsworthy CLT in Devon. Drawing on these case studies, and other sources, the research found a number of high-level success factors common across CLTs. These included access to finance, use of paid staff, community and political support, and access to land that can be purchased at an affordable price. The success factors are described more fully in the research report and summary.