Pinnacle Group appointed to manage BluePine Living’s affordable housing portfolio
Pinnacle Group has announced that it has been appointed as the housing management partner for BluePine Living, a new affordable housing platform backed by institutional capital and committed to delivering high-quality homes across England.
BluePine Living is investing in homes for social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership, with a focus on sustainability, customer service and long-term community impact.
Pinnacle will provide full-service housing management across the portfolio, ensuring residents benefit from responsive services, well-maintained homes and a seamless customer experience.
Dominik Ciba, Operations Director at BluePine Living, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Pinnacle as our housing management provider. Their proven track record and deep expertise in managing affordable housing customers makes them an ideal partner for our growth ambitions. With strong institutional capital support, this collaboration allows us to accelerate delivery of affordable homes right across the country and give our customers a very high-quality service.”
“We are delighted to be working with BluePine Living on this ambitious programme. We believe that professionally managed homes are the foundation of thriving communities. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable housing and ensuring that residents receive the best possible service.”
Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group
Pinnacle currently manages homes or provides services to 11 For-Profit Registered Providers (FPRPs) and is set to contract with several more, representing nearly a quarter of all FPRPs registered with the Regulator of Social Housing.
As the market leader, Pinnacle offers institutional-grade services tailored to institutional investors, combining deep sector knowledge, regulatory compliance and high performance with a commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for residents.
The partnership will initially support homes in Worcestershire, Suffolk and Warwickshire with further developments planned across England. Pinnacle’s role will include tenancy management, repairs coordination and community engagement.
Perry Lloyd: The government must not lose focus on how homes will be professionally managed, not just built
With the Government aiming to deliver half a million affordable homes during this Parliament, supported by £39 billion in public grant, the ambition is both bold and necessary. The scale of the challenge reflects the urgency of the housing crisis facing the UK, where demand for secure, affordable accommodation continues to outstrip supply. But ambition alone won’t deliver results. The UK’s affordable housing sector needs more than just bricks and mortar; it needs a robust, sustainable delivery model that ensures long-term value for residents, taxpayers, and purposeful investors with access to appropriate institutional capital.
Achieving this target will require an estimated £11 billion in private capital. For investors, this presents a compelling opportunity to deploy long-term funds into a sector of growing social and political importance. Affordable housing is increasingly recognised not just as a moral imperative, but as a resilient asset class with the potential to deliver stable returns and measurable social impact. However, the journey from capital investment to community impact is complex and requires more than financial commitment, it demands operational excellence and strategic collaboration.
The challenge isn’t just building homes; it’s about building investable, suitably configured stock in accordance with tailored specifications that design out long term cost in support of efficient well-managed and well-maintained homes with built-in resilience capable of delivering enduring value. Poor management not only diminishes the social impact of affordable housing but also undermines investor confidence and places additional pressure on local services. That’s why the conversation must evolve from a construction-based numbers game to one of stewardship, service quality, and sustainable outcomes. Homes must be more than units, they must be part of thriving, inclusive communities.
"There is increasing recognition that professional, institutional-grade housing management is critical to the success of affordable housing."
There is increasing recognition that professional, institutional-grade housing management is critical to the success of affordable housing. From lettings and tenancy management to resident engagement, maintenance, and neighbourhood services, as well as quality performance reporting, efficient service delivery is what transforms housing units into places people are proud to call home. It’s also what ensures value for money for the public purse and supports the necessary proportionate return on investment for private funders. Without this, the sector risks falling short of its potential, socially, economically and financially.
This is where experienced housing partners play a vital role. The sector needs a trusted bridge between private capital and housing delivery, partners who can provide the operational scale, compliance expertise, and service excellence required to deliver high resident satisfaction and resilient, well-managed assets. These capabilities are essential to translating investment into long-term value for all stakeholders. The best management partner ensures that well-built homes are expertly maintained and operated in ways that improve quality of life for residents, promotes community wellbeing and, at the same time, minimises rent-loss for the investor. In this way the interests of residents and investors are closely aligned.
The trend is already taking shape. For-profit registered providers (FPRPs) are increasingly partnering with expert housing managers to meet these demands. Pinnacle currently manages homes on behalf of 11 FPRPs and is set to contract with six more, representing nearly a quarter of all FPRPs registered with the Regulator of Social Housing. As the market leader, we offer institutional-grade services tailored to institutional investors, combining deep sector knowledge, regulatory compliance and high performance with a commitment to best resident outcomes.
As the Government drives forward its housing targets, it must not lose focus on how these homes will be professionally managed, not just built. Encouraging collaboration between investors, housing providers, and experienced management partners will be key to delivering not only the quantity of homes we need, but the quality of life that residents deserve, and the financial performance and sustainability that investors require. This collaborative, long-term approach is essential to ensuring that affordable housing delivers lasting, meaningful impact. The future of affordable housing lies not just in construction, but in the creation of communities that are well-served, well-managed, and built to last.
Perry Lloyd
Group Chief Executive, Pinnacle Group
This article was originally featured in Inside Housing Management, on 5th August 2025.
Pinnacle Group to manage over 300 homes for Pears-backed MTD Housing
Pinnacle has been appointed to manage over 300 homes for MTD Housing, a for-profit registered provider backed by the Pears family.
This significant partnership will see Pinnacle overseeing a newly acquired portfolio by MTD Housing, which is dedicated to increasing the availability of affordable rental and shared ownership homes.
This portfolio totals 327 homes across London and the Southeast, helping Pinnacle to further its mission to enhance the provision of high-quality, affordable housing across London and the Southeast and ensure safe, comfortable and vibrant communities.
The Pears family, known for their extensive experience in financing and real estate, have a long-standing commitment to social and community causes through the Pears Foundation, which contributes over £20 million annually to various initiatives.
Pinnacle’s role in this collaboration includes tenant on-boarding and management, building compliance, defect management, maintenance and void management. With a track record of managing over 74,000 homes across various tenures—including affordable housing, PRS, student accommodation, and later living homes—Pinnacle is well positioned to deliver exceptional service to both clients and residents.
The appointment by MTD Housing follows Pinnacle’s broader success in securing key contracts over the last financial year. These include taking on additional homes with L&G Affordable Homes, managing portfolios for for-profit registered providers Funding Affordable Homes, and NewArch Homes, and expanding its geographical footprint with first-time contracts in Cornwall and Brighton.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone for Pinnacle. We are excited to bring our extensive experience providing services to affordable housing communities to support MTD’s vision of creating sustainable places. Together, we will work towards enhancing residents’ experiences and contributing positively to the local communities.”
Claire Kober
Managing Director - Homes for Pinnacle Group
Pinnacle Group develops affordable housing management portfolio with new contracts for Octopus-backed NewArch homes
Pinnacle is continuing to expand its nationwide affordable housing management portfolio after securing a partnership for-profit registered provider, NewArch Homes.
This growth is backed by substantial investment from Octopus Investments Ltd, known for their long-term commitment to delivering high-quality housing.
NewArch Homes, established in 2014, is dedicated to providing much-needed affordable homes through social rented, affordable rented, and shared ownership schemes.
Under the agreement, Pinnacle will manage a total of 59 homes across two locations, including 26 homes in Peterborough, and 33 homes in Exeter. The portfolio consists of a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership properties, providing diverse housing options for those in need.
Pinnacle will provide a full complement of housing management services, ranging from tenant on-boarding, tenancy management, building compliance, defect management, maintenance and void management.
"We’re excited to start work on this new portfolio, working in collaboration with NewArch. By managing these additional homes, we have an opportunity to further our mission of supporting local communities. Our partnership with NewArch allows us to provide more families with access to high quality affordable housing."
Claire Kober
Managing Director - Homes for Pinnacle Group
In addition to the Peterborough and Exeter sites, NewArch has a robust pipeline of 119 homes, bringing their total portfolio to 178.
"We are happy to announce our partnership with Pinnacle Group, which represents the significant expansion of our affordable housing portfolio. This collaboration underscores our joint commitment to providing high-quality affordable homes and services to communities in need. With Pinnacle's expertise in housing management, we are confident that these new homes in Peterborough and Exeter will greatly benefit local families and contribute to the overall wellbeing of these communities. This is a pivotal step in our mission to deliver much-needed affordable housing solutions at pace for UK households."
Georgia Kirby-Watt
Operations Director, NewArch Homes
Pinnacle to manage over 500 extra care apartments for Nuveen-backed Preferred Homes Limited (PHL)
Preferred Homes Limited (PHL), a registered provider backed by Nuveen Real Estate, has appointed Pinnacle Group (Pinnacle) to manage over 500 extra care apartments across an initial eight UK locations.
PHL creates 100 per cent affordable extra care housing for rent, providing local authorities with a pipeline of accommodation for older people who have care needs.
The instruction marks another new relationship for Pinnacle, which also recently celebrated winning housing management contracts with Funding Affordable Homes, as well as expanding its work with Legal & General Affordable Homes.
Pinnacle will provide a full management service for PHL, ranging from lettings and rent collection to maintenance administration and repairs. Alongside this, the company will undertake caretaking, cleaning and grounds maintenance.
With finance secured by PHL from Nuveen’s Impact Fund, Pinnacle will also capture positive impacts made on residents’ lives through intervention, social activities and programmes.
“We have extensive experience in delivering housing services to older people and are delighted that our track record has secured yet another instruction.
“By combining our people, place and property services into one integrated delivery model, we know we’ll create contented communities where older people can thrive.”
Oliver Miller
Director of Rental, Pinnacle Group
Alongside property management, Pinnacle will also bring its dedicated app, Ark, that allows residents to interact via their smartphone whenever they wish – be that asking questions and requesting repairs or staying up-to-date with the latest social events and offers.
"With PHL moving from concept to delivery and operation across our sites, we knew we needed an experienced management partner that will take a resident-focused approach and ensure facilities are in great condition. We’re confident that Pinnacle will provide exactly that.
“Working alongside local authority partners and Homes England, we are ready to rapidly grow our pipeline across the country, tackle the housing crisis and provide high-quality care which supports people to live well. We’re looking forward to working with Pinnacle as our first site opens later this year and building our relationship in the years to come.”
Findlay MacAlpine
Chief Executive Officer at Preferred Homes Limited
Extra care housing promotes independent living along with care support available on site, allowing for more effective and cost efficient provision. The public purse savings for a typical PHL development is around £800,000 per annum, equivalent to £20 million over a local authority nominations period of 25 years.
Pinnacle will take on the first of the schemes, in Leeds, from November. This comprises 51 one-bedroom apartments and 12 two-bedroom apartments.
Seven further communities, set to begin construction in the coming weeks and months, will follow in Telford, Nottingham, Bicester, Shrewsbury, West Sussex and Kent.
Pinnacle starts work on first Cornish contract
Pinnacle Group has secured its first housing management contract in Cornwall, building on a series of new business wins and geographical expansions since the beginning of the year.
Pinnacle has now begun work with Perran Housing, a registered provider connecting local people with sustainable shared ownership or affordable rental homes.
Pinnacle will provide a full complement of housing management services, ranging from tenant on-boarding, building compliance, defect management, maintenance and void management. This work will cover the extent of Perran’s portfolio and reflects Pinnacle’s expertise and range of services in the space.
The contract marks the latest in a series of new business wins for Pinnacle, which also recently announced instructions with Kew Green Hotels, Funding Affordable Homes (FAH), as well as an expansion of its work with Legal & General Affordable Homes (LGAH), becoming its leading managing agent.
"With a series of new contract wins under our belt in recent weeks, we’re pleased our reputation for providing market-leading management services has resulted in yet another geographical expansion. We look forward to continuing and expanding our work with Perran as their pipeline delivers more homes to the people of Cornwall."
Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group
Launched in 2022, Perran Housing falls under the organisational umbrella of Treveth – a B Corp certified property development company set up by Cornwall Council in 2019 to create new homes, sustainable communities and commercial developments all of which benefit people who live and work in Cornwall.
The registered provider’s main objective is to improve the quality of new homes in Cornwall. Perran’s homes exceed current minimum standards and are designed to help to reduce the running costs for occupants, through the use of low carbon technologies.
Perran’s sustainable housing is carefully integrated into existing communities through the inclusion of walking and cycling routes, as well as measures to support the local ecosystem, such as hedgehog highways and bat boxes.
Dulcie Paleschi, Head of Residential Portfolio Management at Treveth says, “Perran Housing ensures Treveth remains responsible for managing all the affordable homes on our sites. This means that our affordable and private tenants benefit from Treveth’s high-quality service with a single point of contact.
“We are delighted to be working with Pinnacle and utilising their expertise to continue our mission to deliver quality and sustainable communities for local people in Cornwall."
Pinnacle Group’s Claire Kober on why for-profits are key for housing supply
Earlier this month, the Financial Times reported a stark warning from housing associations: “We can’t build houses.” Some said they had ceased all new development for the coming financial year; others said the system was “maxed out”.
A perfect storm of high interest rates, inflation, low government grants and rising construction costs, as well as net zero and remediation obligations, means traditional registered providers (RPs) are struggling to build. Put simply, the finances do not stack up. In fact, housing associations say building new affordable homes is becoming financially impossible, which is worsening the downturn in supply.
Alongside this, demand continues to grow. In 2022, there were 1.2 million households on social housing waiting lists. Statistics released last month show this has increased by 6% to 1.29 million. In 2021-22 alone, 173,550 households who received a social letting were new to the social sector. Meanwhile, households in temporary accommodation now number more than 109,000, with costs exceeding £1.74bn in 2022-23. Something has got to give.
What the FT piece neglected to mention was that for-profit RPs (FPRPs) are moving into the space and helping to bridge the gap. There are 69 FPRPs registered with the Regulator of Social Housing – two of these owned by Pinnacle. With this number continuing to rise, albeit at a slower pace, it is clear institutional investment’s role in the sector is vital and will continue to grow. There is a real opportunity for traditional RPs to support this growth.
In 2023, I was part of a working group, drawn from the British Property Federation’s (BPF’s) Affordable Housing Committee, that developed a toolkit to provide greater understanding of partnership models for investors and RPs. Its aim was to boost the delivery of affordable homes by providing greater understanding of how investors and housing associations can collaborate.
Encouragingly, a recent Savills survey of traditional housing associations revealed that 89% would consider a partnership with a for-profit and 43% are already working with them in some way. The ever-growing pressure on housing associations to find alternative sources of investment is shifting attitudes among traditional RPs. Five years ago, an earlier survey found that only 62% of traditional housing associations thought that for-profits had any part to play in solving the housing crisis.
It is clear there is a rapidly growing recognition of the role equity has to play in unlocking financial capacity. This collaboration is set to be key in the sector’s future growth.
Capital funding
Rapidly scaling up long-term institutional investment in the sector is vital to boosting affordable housing supply. Analysis by L&G and the BPF reveals that £34bn is the additional capital funding needed per year to meet demand.
But if we are to scale up, we must create the conditions to encourage private capital to enter the sector. These include longer-term rent settlements, a review into subsidy provision and the creation of a level playing field between traditional RPs and their for-profit counterparts. New tax and grant initiatives would remove obstacles for closer collaboration between institutional investors and RPs.
As the gulf between supply and demand broadens, the housing crisis is set to take centre stage in the upcoming general election. It is already shaping up to be a key battleground, with the industry and communities patiently waiting to hear how parties intend to address the issue should they retain or take power. Whichever party wins, they need to adopt a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the role institutional investment has to play in delivering the affordable homes the country needs.
Claire Kober
Managing Director (Homes), Pinnacle Group
This article was originally featured in Property Week, on 1st May 2024.
Pinnacle expands affordable homes contract – becoming Legal & General Affordable Homes’ leading managing agent
Pinnacle Group is set to more than double the number of homes it manages on behalf of Legal & General Affordable Homes (LGAH) as it becomes the provider’s leading managing agent.
In recent weeks, the housing services provider has taken on management services for an additional 900 homes – a mix of affordable rented and shared ownership – spread across the Southwest and Midlands, including The Berries in Paignton, Devon and Cross Trees Park in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire.
Now, a further 40 shared ownership homes at a variety of locations across England will be managed by Pinnacle after we signed yet another agreement with LGAH.
In total, Pinnacle will now be responsible for managing around 1800 homes for LGAH, with a pipeline of new properties expanding the portfolio to at least 2600 homes over the next few years.
“Having begun our relationship with LGAH back in 2019, we’re thrilled our reputation for providing market-leading housing services has resulted in us becoming their leading managing agent. With our teams already delivering on the ground for the first tranche of new homes, we now look forward to serving even more communities across the country as the additional homes come under our management.”
Claire Kober
Managing Director, Homes at Pinnacle Group
Pinnacle’s role will include tenant on-boarding and management, building compliance, defect management, maintenance and void management.
Pinnacle will also work in close collaboration with LGAH in advance of the handover stage, including liaising with relevant local authorities on nominations agreements and the production of welcome packs and home user guides for prospective tenants.
Shaun Holdcroft, Operations Director, Legal & General Affordable Homes, said: “Pinnacle is a trusted partner of Legal & General Affordable Homes, and we are proud to have formed a robust and long term relationship over the past five years. We look forward to working with the Pinnacle team as we continue to serve our current and future residents by providing high quality, affordable housing right across the country. Our aim is to better people’s lives and ensure that everyone has access to our vision of a sustainable and affordable home.”
As we approach our 30th anniversary, Pinnacle continues to see considerable growth, having recently announced a new instruction with Funding Affordable Homes as well as its first Brighton-based contract.
Pinnacle Group secures new contract with Funding Affordable Homes
Pinnacle Group has been appointed by Funding Affordable Homes Housing Association (FAHHA), a for-profit Registered Provider and Homes England investment partner, to provide management services at a new-build home counties housing scheme.
Sterling Gardens, a development of 119 apartments, including 27 for social rent, 30 shared ownership and 62 for affordable rent, is built on brownfield land in Newbury.
Pinnacle will act as managing agent at the scheme, conducting a full range of tenancy and estate management. The contract marks a new relationship for Pinnacle, which currently provides housing management services across a portfolio of over 70,000 properties nationwide.
As it approaches its 30th anniversary, the Group continues to see considerable growth, with plans to announce further contract wins in the coming weeks.
Laura Newey, Head of Partnerships - Homes, Pinnacle Group, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by FAHHA as their housing manager of choice on this exciting new scheme in Newbury.
‘Drawing on our experience of place-making, and place-keeping new communities on new build developments, we look forward to working with FAHHA to bring our market-leading services to the residents of Sterling Gardens.”
Paul Munday, CEO of FAHHA, said “FAHHA are hoping this project will be the start of a long-term relationship for the delivery of housing services by Pinnacle. Funding Affordable Homes (FAH), whose investment advisor is Edmond de Rothschild Real Estate Investment Management (EdR REIM), invested institutional capital alongside grant from Homes England to deliver 119 affordable homes from what was to be an entirely private sale development. The scheme demonstrates FAH’s commitment to providing tangible social benefit from its capital”.