Manchester has reached its most successful year for social and affordable home building since the mid-1990s, marking a significant milestone in the city’s long-term residential strategy. Data from the 2025/26 financial year confirms that nearly 1,000 affordable homes were completed, providing a vital boost to the local housing stock during a period of intense demand.
Of the 4,766 new homes finished across the city over the last twelve months, 901 were classified as affordable. Within that figure, 439 homes have been designated specifically for social rent. This surge in supply arrives alongside neighbourhood investment plans that could give residents in several Manchester areas more influence over long-term local priorities.
Record-breaking delivery and the 2026/27 pipeline
The current momentum is part of a 10-year housing strategy launched in 2022. The city is now four years into this plan, which aims to deliver 36,000 homes across all tenures by 2032. A core pillar of this commitment is ensuring that at least 10,000 of these units are social, council, or genuinely affordable homes.
While the 2025/26 figures represent a peak in recent history, the upcoming year is projected to maintain this pace. There are currently 1,450 council and social homes under construction on-site, with a further 2,000 homes cleared to begin work shortly. This suggests that 2026/27 will likely match or exceed the current record.
| Housing Category | 2025/26 Performance | Pipeline Status |
|---|---|---|
| Total Completions | 4,766 | N/A |
| Affordable Completions | 901 | 3,450+ (Active/Planned) |
| Social Rent Sub-total | 439 | 1,450 (On-site) |
| 10-Year Strategy Target | 36,000 | 2,430 (Completed to date) |
Strategic focus on Wythenshawe and the city centre
The delivery of these homes is spread across diverse neighborhoods to ensure balanced urban growth. Large-scale developments are currently transforming several key areas, focusing on using council-owned land to maximize the number of social rent units available to residents.
In Wythenshawe town centre, 400 new homes for social rent are being brought forward as part of a major regeneration effort. Meanwhile, the city centre is seeing a shift toward more inclusive residential options. The Brewery Gardens development, situated on the former Boddington’s site, is contributing 303 affordable homes to the central district.
Further north, Charlestown is benefiting from 271 new homes split between social rent and shared ownership models. In Moss Side, 212 affordable homes are being integrated into the existing community fabric. These projects represent a shift toward “real choice” for residents who have previously struggled to find secure housing in their preferred neighborhoods.
Addressing the housing affordability gap
Leader of the Council Cllr Bev Craig noted that finding affordable housing in desirable locations remains a primary concern for residents. The strategy focuses on turning the tide by investing in vibrant neighborhoods rather than just high-density blocks. This approach involves working with the city’s housing providers and the private sector to identify building opportunities that meet specific local needs.
Cllr Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development, emphasized that the city is not waiting for external intervention but is actively creating ways to build the right homes in the right places. By prioritizing council-owned land for these projects, the city maintains greater control over the percentage of social rent units delivered in each scheme.
With 2,430 affordable homes completed since the strategy began in 2022, the city is currently on track to meet its goal of 10,000 affordable units by 2032. The concentration of at least 3,000 of these within the city centre remains a priority to ensure that Manchester’s core remains accessible to workers across all income brackets.
Source: Manchester City Council
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