Who We Are

Affinity Housing (Reading) Ltd is company formed through a partnership between Southern Housing Group, Windsor Housing, Nationwide Building Society and Wates to deliver services to the Central Whitley area of Reading, under a 30 year Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract with Reading Borough Council. The PFI contract started on May 10th 2004.

Within an estate of 3,500 houses, about 1,350 managed properties are still owned by Reading Borough Council and occupied by Secure Council Tenants, the rest being owner-occupied. The housing stock comprises 2 & 3 bed houses, 1 & 2 bed flats, and a limited number of flats for older residents in purpose built blocks.

Affinity provides 4 main services.

Housing Mangement

A range of housing management services are provided by Affinity. However; allocations, housing support and sheltered housing are still provided by Reading Borough Council. Although Affinity will offer advice and help with filling forms in.

Refurbishment

Refurbishment of all properties is being carried out over the first 4 years of the PFI Contract.

Each of the homes is surveyed and a list of works agreed with the resident that will bring the house up to 'Decent Homes' standard. All houses are having new windows and high security doors, insulation and new energy efficient gas boilers. Some homes will get new kitchens, bathrooms, damp-proofing and electrical upgrades where they are needed.

Maintenance and Repair

All day to day maintenance and repair requests for managed properties are dealt with by Affinity, including out-of-hours calls. Customers can choose to make a repair appointment.

Regeneration

Affinity has appointed a Neighbourhood Manager in association with Groundworks Thames Valley, who are a non-profit making organisation with a record of success in community regeneration projects.