Who lives in an affordable house like this?

Chi Wah, Pastor at Lilbourne Evangelical Church, and his family moved into their new Northamptonshire Rural Housing Association home in Lilbourne in 2022. It’s made a big difference to his family life and his work, but also to the local community.

“To really be part of the community and do the best possible job as the Pastor, for the parishioners and wider community, being close by is so important. Living in the village is already making a positive difference to my work in the church. It’s giving me the chance to spend more time getting to know people, I can invite people to my home and I’m around when people need me.

"And there’s no more commuting for me!”

Andrew, a fifth-generation farmer, and his partner Charlotte moved into a new home Peak District Rural Housing Association home in Taddington in 2020.

Their home means Andrew can afford to stay close to his family and his job on the family’s farm. Take a look at Andrew's video talking about how important his home is.

Marie, who works at the local secondary school, moved into her home in Northamptonshire Rural Housing Association home in Greens Norton in 2022.

Her new home was especially important to her, as her husband Jeff had recently passed away, and Marie wanted to stay in the village, close to work, and with the security of her community and family.

“Having an affordable home in the village meant I could stay in the area I'd lived in with my late husband, near to friends, my work and the area I know and love.

“It's important that I have a home that I can afford as I'm on my own and in a community that gives support and friendship. I believe that if I’d moved to an urban area, I’d feel very feel isolated.”

Sisters Holly and Ellee are shared owners living in Warwickshire Rural Housing Association homes in Broom, Warwickshire.

As well as living next door to each other, they also work together at their family-run day nursery. They are both appreciative that they've been able to stay in the village where they grew up:

“Without this affordable housing option, we wouldn’t haven’t been able to afford to stay in the village.

“It’s enabled Holly to bring her son up in the village, close to family and support networks, which is so important.

“And it also means we’re able to stay close to work. We both work in our family-run nursery, alongside our mum, and are able to help it go from strength to strength, which is great for us, and also for the local community.”