Octopus Capital and Barratt Homes to deliver 110 new affordable homes across East England

Octopus Capital, a leading UK specialist real estate investor, has agreed a forward funding deal with Barratt and David Wilson Homes (Anglia) to support the delivery of 110 new, affordable homes across two sites in Thurston, Suffolk, and Littleport, Cambridgeshire.

The investment has been made through the Octopus Affordable Housing Fund (OAHF), which invests long-term capital to accelerate the delivery of essential affordable homes across the UK. The deal marks the first direct transaction between Octopus Capital and Barratt Redrow, reflecting a shared commitment to increasing the supply of high quality affordable homes through new-build development.

All homes will be delivered as affordable housing, helping to address local demand in areas where affordability pressures continue to limit access to good-quality homes. The schemes will provide a mix of 78 homes for Affordable Rent and 32 homes for Shared Ownership, and will work closely with local authorities in West Suffolk and East Cambridgeshire, to ensure the developments support a wide range of local housing needs.

Across the two sites, the schemes will deliver 100 high-quality houses, six maisonettes and four bungalows on a freehold basis. Homes range from one to four bedrooms, supporting individuals, couples and families. All homes will be delivered with a minimum of EPC B rating, helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce household running costs over the long term.

Construction will be phased, with handovers at Thurston expected between April 2026 and June 2028, and at Littleport between September 2026 and December 2028.

NewArch Homes, the Octopus-owned registered provider of social housing, will be the long-term owner of the homes. After construction, housing management will be provided by Flagship Group, the Housing Association focused on providing homes for affordable and market rent, and for sale across the East of England.

Flagship’s ethos is closely aligned with that of Octopus Capital. They don’t just want to make a difference to their customers and their communities; they are also keenly focused on trying to solve the housing crisis.

Coner Anderson, Investment Manager at Octopus Capital, Said:

“We are delighted to have secured our first direct partnership with Barratt Redrow, supporting the delivery of 110 much‑needed affordable homes in the East of England. This transaction reflects a shared commitment to increasing the supply of high‑quality affordable housing through the Octopus Affordable Housing Fund, we continue to deploy long‑term capital to bring forward energy‑efficient homes that respond to local housing needs. We look forward to building on our relationship with Barratt Redrow and working closely with our management partner, Flagship.“

Gareth Mears, Development Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia, said:

“We are excited to partner with Octopus Capital for the first time and secure delivery of these much-needed affordable homes on two of our newest developments within the region. Both sites are under construction and progressing well, and we look forward to handing over the first homes and welcoming residents to the new communities we are creating.”

 

Imogen Ranger, Contract and Relationship Manager at Flagship, said:

There is a real need for affordable homes in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, so it’s great to be part of a partnership that’s dedicated to creating a positive impact. These 110 homes will make a genuine difference to people who need them, whether that’s through affordable rent or shared ownership. We’re looking forward to working with Octopus Capital and Barratt and David Wilson Homes, and to continuing supporting residents as these new communities take shape.”