Housing association developer

A housing association developer is a combination of a project manager, property developer and housebuilder, and brings these skills together to build affordable homes for people who cannot find housing on the open market.

Did you know?
One new home is built every three minutes for people in need with funding from the Housing Corporation. The corporation’s national affordable housing programme for 2006-08 is worth £3.9bn and will create 84,000 new affordable homes in England.

Facts and Figures

  • Starting salary:

    Around £25,000

  • Senior level salary:

    Management posts rise to around £40,000 and directors can earn up to £70,000

  • Education:

    There isn’t a specific degree you’ll need for this job. Employers may ask for a ‘relevant business qualification’ which could be in anything from construction or surveying to town planning. Many employers will ask for evidence of the Chartered Institute of Housing’s professional qualification.

  • Skills:

    You'll need a special mix of skills for this job. You need to be an excellent planner with strong numeracy and analytical skills, have a strong business sense and understand the practicalities of the construction industry, and have good IT skills. On top of that you’ll need an enthusiasm for a role that makes a difference to the lives of people who are disadvantaged. A strong social conscience and awareness of the ethos of social housing is a big advantage.

  • Likely employer type:

    Housing associations, Arm’s length management organisations and Opportunities are also available with private developers

  • Number of professionals:

    More than 150,000 people are employed in housing and housing management within the UK. However, just a small proportion of these will be directly involved in development.

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