Resonance Supported Homes Fund secures £5 million Investment from Oxfordshire County Council

Resonance, one of the UK’s leading social impact investment businesses and leaders in homelessness property funds is pleased to announce the second close of the Resonance Supported Homes Fund (RSHF), with a £5 million investment from Oxfordshire County Council.

This multi-million pound investment into the fund, which provides person-centred housing for those with learning disabilities, autism and mental health challenges, will help to provide up to an additional 25 supported living homes for adults in Oxfordshire with care and support needs. It will also take the fund size to over £15 million.

RSHF was created to provide a solution to the acute housing shortage that leaves thousands of adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health problems struggling to access homes suitable for them that meet their needs. Many are living in inappropriate housing and remaining on long waiting lists with limited access to mainstream housing options.

Key to how the fund differs from other leasing models is how it works with impact-driven housing associations and learning disability charity partners. The focus is on the specific needs of every tenant the fund provides a home for, enabling them to lead fulfilled lives with independence and choice.

RSHF was co-designed with leading learning disability organisations in direct response to the Regulator of Social Housing's concerns over onerous leases in this sector. The fund offers its charity partners sustainable, fair lease terms with break clauses and transparent cost structures.

All properties are purchased with specific tenants in mind, ensuring properties are fit for purpose and can provide an environment for tenants to flourish.

The fund is open to institutional, pension fund and professional investors in the UK and internationally, who are not only attracted by the potential of a financial return from rent and capital appreciation, but also the strong focus on achieving substantial positive social impact by supporting people living in inappropriate and challenging circumstances.

Resonance would particularly like to hear from local authorities with housing needs in this field, and who are looking for a cost effective solution and financial return.

And care providers and their housing partners who are seeking lease terms that are not linked to CPI, and do have business critical break clauses should get in touch,

John Williams, Managing Director of Property Funds at Resonance, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this investment from Oxfordshire County Council which will enable the fund to make a very real difference to the lives of people with learning disability or autism, in the region. This investment means individuals will be able to live in the right home for them, so that they can live fulfilled lives in their local community, close to family and friends.

“We are particularly pleased Oxfordshire County Council is the second local authority – alongside Greater Manchester Combined Authority, one of the seed investors - to invest in this fund, recognising that everyone needs a home to call their own and to be able to live their lives with independence and choice.

“This investment is a major milestone for the fund and should create real impact in the learning disability sector as well as enabling us to attract further like-minded investors into it.”

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Most people want to be supported to live within their communities, rather than in residential care, so this is great news for those adults in Oxfordshire with additional support needs who want a home of their own.

“As demand for supported living accommodation in the county grows and as people live longer, it is through programmes such as this one with RSHF that we are able to provide the support needed. We will empower people to live the lives they want to lead, in their communities, close to their friends and families, and with as much independence as possible.”