Welsh landlords merge to form 10,000-home group

Among the new group’s aims is to boost the availability and quality of affordable homes in the area. It also wants to invest in environmentally friendly housing solutions and increase the use of data and technology.

Debbie Green, chief executive of Coastal and chief executive designate of Beacon, branded the merger a “significant milestone”.

She said: “By combining our strengths, we can deliver on our shared mission to provide secure, sustainable and affordable homes for generations to come.”

Luke Takeuchi, chief executive of RHA and deputy chief executive designate of Beacon, said: “Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure our residents experience high-quality services and even greater value for money, while driving meaningful change across South Wales.”

In its last reported full year to March 2024, Swansea-based Coastal reported a drop in surplus to £3.7m off a turnover of £52.3m.

RHA, which was previously known as Rhondda Housing Association, posted an increased surplus of £1.3m on turnover of £13.6m in the year to the end of March 2024.

The merger is the latest in the Welsh social housing sector, following a tie-up between Cadwyn Housing Association and Cadarn Housing Group last November. Pobl and Linc Cymru combined last April to create a 23,000-home group. 

Law firm Devonshires acted for both Coastal and RHA on their merger.