Housing association acquires more homes in York

Published by Neil Shaefer for Railway Housing Association in Housing and also in Communities

One of the country’s oldest housing associations has strengthened its presence in York by acquiring 55 new properties in the city.

Railway Housing Association acquired the properties, for a six figure sum, following a stock transfer from a larger housing association.

This brings the total number of properties the Association has in York to 191 and its total stock across the UK to 1,493.

The new properties are situated at Vulcan and Saturn House, which is in Olympian Court, near to the city centre; Severn Green, Nether Poppleton; Viking Road, Acomb; and Snowden Close in Askham Richard

The Association bid for the properties, which range from one-bedroom flats to three-bedroom family homes, because it believes it represents a sound investment for the future. Acquiring the properties via a stock transfer it meant it was able to take over the properties much quicker than if it had to go through the full development process.

Among the ‘new’ Railway Housing Association residents are Marie Bull, aged 47, who lives in Vulcan House, who said: “I had heard good things about Railway Housing Association from someone I knew who was already one of their tenants.

“My first impressions have been very good. The housing officers are very approachable and when you need something doing, they respond very quickly.

“The Association has a good reputation for looking after its residents and ensuring homes and communities are kept nice, so I am glad they have taken over management of my home.”

Anne Rowlands, Chief Executive of Railway Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to have acquired these properties in an area we know very well and we would like to welcome the residents to Railway Housing Association.

“This is a significant acquisition for us and a very good investment, and we are looking forward to working with the residents and involving them in the running of the Association.

“It is particularly pleasing to have acquired the homes in an area synonymous with the railways, which is still an important part of our history.”

York MP Hugh Bayley said: “Railway Housing Association has a reputation as a good landlord and it is nice to see smaller associations with local connections taking over more stock in the city.”