NatWest makes major announcement that will benefit 400 households

NatWesthas made a significant announcement that will benefit 400 households. The high street bank has announced on Tuesday, July 22 a £125m investment to build 400 new affordable sustainable homes. Royal Bank of Scotland, part of NatWest, is set to deliver over 400 sustainable new homes across the South of England following a £125m investment in the leading provider of affordable housingand support services, VIVID.

VIVID's motto is: "More homes, bright futures". The organisation invests in communities and addresses the shortage of affordable housing in the south, focused on building the "right type" of homes to meet society’s needs. John Horton, Housing Finance Director at NatWest Real Estate Finance, saod: "NatWest is committed to supporting the UK's social housing sector and the local customers and communities that they serve.

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"We've pledged to provide £7.5 billion lending to housing associations before the end of 2026 to help support the development of new homes and improve living conditions.

"VIVID is renowned for its innovative and sustainable practices, development of vitally needed new homes, and their customer centric approach to service.

"We're delighted to support them as they continue working towards their goals of addressing a housing shortage throughout the South of England and enhancing the quality of life for thousands of individuals and families across the region."

Jonathan Roberts, Group Treasurer of VIVID, added: "This new facility is an excellent addition to our funding portfolio. In today's market long-dated funding can be expensive; this facility bucks that trend.

"The attractiveESG discountrewards VIVID for doing the right thing for our existing customers and building more affordable sustainable homes."

The £125 million Sustainability Linked 15-year term facility from Royal Bank of Scotland will bolster VIVID's development programme and retrofit work, enhancing the energy efficiency of existing homes to keep them warmer and lower household bills for customers.

According to NatWest, VIVID ranks as the 6th largest builder amongst UK Housing Associations in 2024-25, delivering 1,505 new homes across the South of England. The banks also says VIVID is committed to standing by its customers through the cost-of-living crisisand has helped them unlock £14.3 million in support over the past year, reports Birmingham Live.

NatWest says this loan will help VIVID reach more people with "the advice, guidance, and practical help they need through trusted local partnerships and one-to-one conversations".

The lending agreement also includes ESG goals which aim to put VIVID’s customers at the centre of operations - "from improving transparency to building moreenergy-efficient homes and reducing their environmental impact" according to the official press announcement.

The targets will help to ensure that VIVID responds to today’s needs and play an active role in building a more sustainable and inclusive future for the communities it supports.