New government statistics show that England is continuing to lose more social rented homes than it is creating, raising fresh concerns about the long-term supply of affordable housing.
Latest figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reveal that there was a net reduction of 3,834 social rent homes in 2024/25, the most recent year for which data is available. This decline highlights a growing imbalance between the number of homes being removed from the system and those being added.
Over the past three years, figures show:
| 2024/25 | 2023/24 | 2022/23 | |
| Gains | 17,602 | 19,834 | 19,754 |
| Loss | -21,436 | -21,521 | -23,809 |
| Net change | -3,834 | -1,687 | -4,055 |
During the same period, a total of 16,291 social homes were either sold or demolished across England. In contrast, only 10,807 new social homes were completed, meaning losses once again outweighed new supply.
Looking at trends over the last three years, the pattern remains consistent. While thousands of social homes have been gained each year through construction or conversion, these gains have been cancelled out by even higher levels of sales and demolitions. In 2022/23, the net loss stood at more than 4,000 homes, followed by a reduction of 1,687 in 2023/24, before rising again to 3,834 in 2024/25.
Housing campaigners warn that this continued shrinkage of the social housing stock risks worsening homelessness and housing insecurity. Matt Downie, chief executive of the homelessness charity Crisis, said the government had pledged to create a new generation of social homes but was in danger of missing that goal without swift and decisive action.
He stressed that independent research shows around 90,000 new social homes need to be built each year to properly address homelessness and meet demand. Current delivery levels remain far below that figure, leaving a significant gap between ambition and reality.
Concerns have also been raised about regional policies, particularly in London, where affordable housing targets have recently been reduced. Campaigners fear this could have long-term consequences for the availability of social housing in the capital and deepen existing inequalities.
Crisis is calling on the government to move more quickly by releasing promised funding and introducing stronger national requirements for social housing within large-scale developments. The charity argues that a clear minimum target would help ensure social homes are prioritised alongside private construction.
The latest figures underline the scale of the challenge facing policymakers. Without a sustained increase in social housebuilding, England risks continuing to lose thousands of homes each year that are vital for people on the lowest incomes.
As pressure on the housing system grows, charities and housing groups are urging the government to turn its commitments into concrete results, warning that a “Britain built for all” must include enough safe and secure homes for those who need them most.
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