Case Study: PropTech Simplifying Property Acquisition With Simplyphi

Social Rent Housing playbook series

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Simplyfind image courtesy of SimplyPhi

Innovative technology is helping local authorities to find, appraise and acquire homes to reduce homelessness. For example, Hastings are using SimplyPhi’s search technology and project management platform to find, acquire and retrofit 60 homes, as part of their ongoing Housing Programme for Rough Sleepers and Temporary Accommodation.

Hastings Borough Council (HBC) started working with B-Corp SimplyPhi in earnest in Sept 2022. SimplyPhi has supported the Council to establish new ways of working on the acquisition and refurbishment of street market properties, with 52 homes delivered inside the first 9-months.

SimplyPhi are using their end-to-end property acquisition technology and services to help HBC, and other local authorities, provide residents with quality, energy efficient, furnished accommodation that meets high safety standards and supports their climate change ambitions. SimplyPhi’s service has enabled HBC to:

  • Increase capacity to meet Government housing targets and qualify for
    grant funding

  • Retrofit properties to improved EPC levels before being let

  • Develop a responsive and timely service resulting in quick turnaround times

  • Improve the quality of our homes through a new Fit to Let standard

  • Create new social value through the recycling of unused household items through local furniture charities (Circular Economy).

From a financial point of view, this street market housing acquisition programme is providing significant savings to HBC compared to sourcing external temporary accommodation.

To read more about this housing programme in Hastings, click here.

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As you engage with the Playbook, we encourage you to reach out to the contributing organisations to inform your learning. No single organisation’s product, process or passion can fix the problem. Change will come through creativity, collective wisdom and the will to roll up our sleeves, get involved and work together to do things differently!

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Case Study: Impact-led investment unlocking homes

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Is new build the only (or best) option to increase social rent housing stock?