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Designing Healthy Homes: Why New Social Housing Must Prioritise Mental and Physical Health

20/05/2026

By Sarah Davey, Head of Development, CHIC

The case for change

Housing policy continues to focus on delivery targets. With around 1.3 million households on social housing waiting lists in England, that pressure is clear. But volume alone cannot define success. The homes built today will shape health outcomes for decades.

As Sarah Davey explains, “We cannot separate housing delivery from health. If we do, we build in long term challenges for residents, landlords and public services. Quality must sit alongside quantity.”

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