Meeting urgent needs with long-term solutions
In the face of a deepening housing crisis, with a net loss of 3,000 supported homes in the last three years, the challenge isn’t just to build more homes for those in supported living, but to build better ones. Many supported housing units are failing the people they’re meant to help, with research highlighting units suffering from substandard conditions. One local authority has reported 323 serious and immediate risks across 345 properties inspected, reflecting how poor quality housing not only puts residents’ health at risk but also undermines the purpose of supported housing: to provide a stable foundation for people to live independently.
At Blueprint Housing & Investments, we offer a different approach to prioritise longevity, quality, and purpose-built design. Led by our director, Connor O’Rourke, we focus on delivering housing solutions that combine practical value with long-term impact.
“Supported housing shouldn’t be seen as a temporary fix,” says O’Rourke.
“To create lasting change, we need homes that promote wellbeing, reduce long-term costs, and support stronger, more resilient communities.”
Through partnerships with housing associations across the Northwest, West Midlands and Greater Manchester, Blueprint is delivering high-impact supported housing that responds directly to regional needs. Whether through void property refurbishment in Lancashire, energy-efficient retrofits in Yorkshire, or sourcing affordable homes for local authorities, each project is an investment in the future.
What does quality mean in supported housing?
Quality in supported housing means durability, safety, energy efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of vulnerable tenants. The success of these homes is measured by how well they last, how they support those who live in them and how responsibly they’re built. High-quality housing that creates mould-free, warm, accessible homes has the potential to create healthier living environments, directly impacting residents’ wellbeing.
Our approach combines compassionate design with long-term thinking to deliver homes that function as essential infrastructure and smart investments. Features like good insulation, efficient ventilation and access to natural light ensure that housing is not only compliant with 2030 targets but also help tackle fuel poverty, reduce emissions and protect public funds.
Blueprint’s assisted living accommodation in the West Midlands integrates technologies like TouchBase to connect CRM and smart humidity sensors, ensuring real-time condition monitoring and streamlined maintenance. These systems support compliance with regulations like Awaab’s Law while improving daily life for residents and housing associations that monitor homes.
The value of longevity in supported housing
Durable construction, retrofit expertise, and ongoing property condition monitoring reduce the need for frequent and costly repairs. This, in turn, lowers the strain on councils and frees up funding for reinvestment. The LGA has previously estimated that every £1 invested in supported housing saves £2.13 in public sector spending, with the return reflecting reduced pressure on other services that are often stretched thin.
Homes built through our void property regeneration in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester are turning run-down spaces into safe homes to provide residents with a stable, reliable living environment. By focussing on better materials and resilient building methods, supported housing can shift from being a short-term solution to a lasting foundation for thriving communities.
Building for the future with Blueprint’s sustainable housing model
To bridge the supported housing gap, we must build with the future in mind to elevate standards. Blueprint’s commitment goes beyond construction, it’s about combining sustainability with community impact. Our developments are built to merge social responsibility with environmental innovation, using modern methods of construction (MMC), renewable materials and integrated smart energy systems to create homes that are efficient and resilient.
With this urgent demand, Blueprint offers vital services whilst working with housing associations to meet community needs. It’s about building safe, sustainable places that serve generations, support tenant wellbeing and reduce long-term costs.
Now more than ever, housing associations have a pivotal role to play in reshaping the future of supported housing. By partnering with us, you’re not just investing in homes, you’re investing in thriving communities and a better planet.
Let’s move beyond short-term fixes to build homes that endure. Contact us at contact@blueprintinvestments.co.uk or call 01204 938 700 to find out more.
