Affordable housing boost for Horsham as construction on new homes gets underway

Housing association Aster Group, in partnership with housebuilder Stonebond, has started construction on a new development in a village near Horsham, where 43 much-needed new homes will be built to help meet demand for affordable housing in the expensive and desirable area.

Comprising of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses, 23 homes in the development will be available for affordable rent and 20 for shared ownership. Priority for the affordable rent homes will be given to people with a local connection to the area, allocated by Horsham District Council through its housing waiting list.

Shared ownership provides an opportunity for people to get onto – or back onto – the housing ladder. The scheme allows buyers to purchase a share of a property while paying rent on the remainder, making home buying more accessible and affordable. It’s also a secure alternative to private renting and if they want to, purchasers can buy more shares in their property (known as staircasing), eventually leading to full home ownership.

Amanda Williams, Chief Investment Officer for Aster Group said: “With average private rents in Horsham now exceeding £1,500[1] a month and the average price of houses costing over £430,000 [2], many local families are being priced out of the area they call home. These rising costs show why our work is more vital than ever: to ensure that people can live and thrive in the communities they love, without being forced to move away due to affordability.

“Not only are we bringing much needed new affordable homes to the area, but biodiversity net gains are also set to enhance the surrounding environment, creating green spaces for the community to enjoy.”

The first homes are expected to be ready in spring 2027, and the development will also include a play area and spaces designed for older children and adults to relax in and enjoy, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for the whole community. The local parish council is actively involved in selecting play equipment and is expected to take over the management of the open space and play area once complete.

Matthew Whale, Managing Director of Stonebond Guildford, said: “Everyone knows that the South East suffers from an acute shortage of affordable homes, so we’re really pleased that sites like this one, delivered with a quality partner like Aster, can go some way in helping to address the area’s affordable housing supply.”

To support the delivery of these much-needed affordable homes, Homes England has contributed grant funding through its Social and Affordable Housing Programme.

To register for the rented homes please head to: Apply for housing | Horsham District Council and for the shared ownership homes please register interest here:Contact Our Sales Team | Aster Sales 

[1] Current Market Rents in Horsham, West Sussex, England

[2]House Prices in Horsham