Homes for Good is a Scottish social enterprise and ethical letting agency that works to provide high-quality, affordable housing to people on low incomes and those with specific support needs. Founded in Glasgow in 2013 by social business leader Susan Aktemel, the organization was born out of a recognition that the private rental sector often failed to meet the needs of vulnerable people. Homes for Good's innovative model combines the roles of a property developer, a letting agency, and a tenancy support service, all within a single organization. This integrated approach allows them to control the quality of the homes they offer and provide holistic support that helps tenants build stable lives.
The organization's core philosophy is that a safe, stable, and well-maintained home is the essential foundation for a person's well-being and success. They work to challenge the idea that a good return on a housing investment requires steep rents. Instead, they operate on a viable business model that allows them to generate a social return by investing in properties they upgrade and provide at affordable rates. This dual-purpose model has proven effective, with the organization managing hundreds of homes and assisting thousands of tenants since its founding.
Homes for Good operates as a group of four distinct companies, each playing a specific role in its mission. This structure allows them to manage the entire housing process, from acquisition to tenancy support.
The first part of their model is property acquisition and development. Homes for Good raises social investment—it has raised over £20 million to date—to purchase empty and dilapidated homes. They target properties in disrepair, often on the lower end of the market, and transform them through extensive renovation. This process not only provides a high-quality home for a tenant but also contributes to community regeneration by revitalizing neglected properties and improving neighborhood aesthetics. They use an in-house team of professionals, including builders, joiners, and designers, to ensure a high standard of work. Their renovations also include energy efficiency improvements, such as better heating and insulation, which helps to reduce tenants' fuel bills.
The second part is the letting agency and property management. Homes for Good manages a portfolio of homes that they own, along with properties they manage for other private landlords. They work with around 130 landlords and manage a total of over 500 homes. Their approach is considered "ethical lettings," as they prioritize providing stable, long-term homes for tenants rather than maximizing short-term profit. They are committed to fair and transparent practices, making their properties accessible to people on low incomes or receiving benefits, who are often discriminated against in the mainstream private rental market. The organization’s rental arrears are less than 2%, a testament to the affordability of their homes and the effectiveness of their tenancy support.
What truly sets Homes for Good apart is its comprehensive tenancy support. The organization recognizes that a person's challenges often extend beyond just finding a house. They have a dedicated support team that assists tenants with a range of issues, from managing finances and navigating welfare benefits to reducing energy bills.
A prime example of this is their "Love Home" program, which partners interior designers with tenants to help them create a home they genuinely want to live in. This is far more than a simple decorating service. It is a core part of the organization's philosophy that a sense of dignity and belonging is crucial for a person's well-being. The program, which can range from minor decorative touches to full room makeovers, empowers tenants to personalize their living space, fostering a sense of pride and ownership. This approach has a direct impact on the health and well-being of the tenants, providing them with a stable and nurturing environment that can act as a springboard for success in other areas of their lives.
The organization also works closely with a variety of partner organizations, including housing charities and agencies that support women rescued from human trafficking and asylum seekers. This collaborative model ensures that their tenants have access to a network of specialized services that can address their unique needs and challenges.
Homes for Good's success is measured not by profit margins, but by its social impact. Over 1,000 people have lived in their homes, and more than 90% of their tenants are on low incomes or receive benefits. The average tenancy length is 27 months, significantly longer than the private rental sector average, which speaks to the stability and support they provide.
The organization has received global recognition for its innovative model and for challenging the conventional private rental market. By proving that a good return on investment can be achieved while providing high-quality, affordable housing to those who need it most. The organization's work is seen as a good standard for the private rental sector, providing a model that can be replicated to tackle the housing crisis in other communities.
