Ref:PRSH268.                                                                                                 Date: 17June 2019

Stafford and Rural Homes acquires more than 150 homes from national housing group

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) has expanded its property portfolio with the acquisition of 154 homes from the  Clarion Housing Group.

A mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses, two-bedroom bungalows and one and two-bedroom apartments, the homes in the Doxey area of Stafford were purchased for an undisclosed sum following a thorough bidding process.

The deal also included a community hub for local residents who were actively involved in consultations on the transfer of ownership.

SARH Chief Executive, Karen Armitage, explained: "The successful bid to acquire these homes reflects a huge vote of confidence in the quality of services SARH delivers and recognition that we actively listen to our customers and prioritise their needs.

"The bidding process was very competitive, but we're delighted that Clarion's customers in Stafford expressed their preference for a landlord with a proven track record of delivering quality, affordable housing and putting the wellbeing of the communities it serves at the heart of its operations.

The latest acquisition brings the total number of properties managed by SARH to around 6,350 and reflects the growing strength of a housing association that has its roots firmly in the local community.

Michelle Reynolds, Chief Operating Officer at Clarion said:"As part of a review of our homes and communities, Stafford was identified as an area where customers should have the opportunity to move to a housing association that has a larger presence locally.

"In partnership with current residents, I am pleased that SARH has been chosen to continue to deliver the good service levels currently enjoyed by our customers. SARH is focused on the Stafford and surrounding area and holds the highest ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing ."

SARH has held  a series of 'Getting to Know You' events to provide its new customers with further information about the range and quality of the services offered by their new landlord.

Karen added: "We're delighted to welcome our new Doxey customers to the SARH family and they can rest assured they'll receive the same, exceptional level of support our existing customers have come to expect from a housing association that's committed to ‘Creating Great Places to Live, Work and Grow."

SARH was advised by Shakespeare Martineau.

Clarion was advised by JLL and Winckworth Sherwood.

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About Stafford and Rural Homes

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is the largest social landlord in Stafford with around 6,000 homes across Stafford, Stone and the rural villages across the Borough. Established in 2006 to own and manage the former Stafford Borough Council housing stock, SARHset up a trading subsidiary company Housing Worx, to deliver planned maintenance works to its properties and fulfil commercial contracts in 2012. SARHalso offers 18 Independent Living schemes for people aged over 55 andan award winning Telecare home safety and personal security system for the elderly and vulnerable.SARH has invested more than £100 million on improvement and regeneration programmes and building over 500 high quality new homes for rent and shared ownership which have benefited SARH customers by improving neighbourhoods and creating job opportunities for local people. A Community Benefit Society (CBS), the housing association works in partnership with local authorities, health trusts, statutory bodies and a range of voluntary organisations to create safe, sustainable communities where residents can ‘Live, Work and Grow'.

Follow SARH on Twitter@SARHomes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t: + 44 (0) 1785 247588
m: +44 (0)7771 970025
e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
 Marketing Manager
 t:01785 216793 (Direct) 
 m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  
 e:mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk