VIVID, the Portsmouth headquartered housing association, has become the first organisation to access NatWest’s new £500m social loan fund, securing £100m to accelerate the delivery of homes for social rent. It is a significant moment for the sector, one that signals how dedicated funding can be directed toward a clear mission. The focus key phrase social loan fund for social rent homes sits at the centre of this development, as it captures both the purpose and the impact of the initiative.
The funding is ringfenced exclusively for the construction of new social rent homes, addressing the UK’s long running housing challenges. By offering discounted interest margins and no arrangement fees, the social loan fund for social rent homes is designed to make high quality, long term investment more achievable for housing associations. For VIVID, the £100m facility supports the delivery of an additional 450 social rent properties, backed by a ten year loan term that offers stability and room to plan.
David Ball, VIVID’s chief financial officer, welcomed the opportunity to expand the organisation’s delivery capacity. He highlighted how NatWest’s new product gives housing associations greater financial flexibility and praised the discount built into the loan. His emphasis connects directly to why the social loan fund for social rent homes matters: it reduces barriers to building more of the homes people need.
NatWest’s Paul Eyre described the agreement as part of a wider ambition to lend £7.5bn to the social housing sector before the end of 2026. He noted that this funding follows a separate £125m investment earlier in the year, enabling VIVID to continue its work supporting communities in the South of England. Again, the broader purpose of the social loan fund for social rent homes is clear, providing targeted support to organisations addressing the housing shortage.
Legal advisers also recognised the significance of the arrangement. Forhad Ahmed of Trowers and Hamlins called it a first of its kind initiative that demonstrates how innovative financing can support delivery. Anna Clark of Bevan Brittan expressed pride in helping VIVID complete another milestone in its mission to provide much needed social housing.
Taken together, the agreement represents a positive example of finance being aligned with public need. The social loan fund for social rent homes is more than a new product. It is a mechanism designed to build securely, sustainably and at scale, helping organisations like VIVID increase supply at a time when demand is urgent.
