A more inclusive approach to housing in Greater Manchester

Two community-led housing organisations, Greater Manchester Community-Led Homes (GMCLH) and Inspiring Housing Community Land Trust (CLT), have come together to champion a transformative approach: housing designed, owned, and stewarded by communities themselves.

What do we mean by ‘community-led housing’?

Community Led Housing isn’t just about building homes, it’s about building communities. To be considered community-led, a housing scheme must:

• Meaningfully engage the local community throughout the process.
• Champion local ownership and stewardship, giving local people control
• Have a benefit to local areas or specified community, clearly defined and legally     protected.

This model challenges the status quo dominated by volume builders and profit-driven development. Instead, it prioritises social value, sustainability, and inclusivity, creating homes that reflect local needs and aspirations.

The Challenge

In Greater Manchester 5,649 households and 7,679 children are living in temporary accommodation across Greater Manchester - a71% increase in four years. The financial burden is £74.6 million annually and, despite growing demand for alternative housing models, community-led housing represents less than 1% of UK housing stock.

This crisis is as much a public health emergency as it is economic. Poor-quality housing and insecure tenancies are linked to physical illness, mental health struggles, and social instability. Homes should be places of safety and growth, yet for many, they have become sources of harm.

Who They Are

Greater Manchester Community-Led Homes (GMCLH) are a Greater Manchester hub supporting communities to take control of housing solutions. Their mission is to empower local people to create affordable, sustainable homes that strengthen neighbourhoods.

Inspiring Housing CLT are based in Salford but work across Greater Manchester to unlock land for affordable housing and grow local leadership. Through a collective approach, they co-design homes that reflect community voices and aspirations.

Together, they offer:

• Affordable Housing held by and for the community.
• Community Empowerment through co-designed solutions.
• Sustainability & Innovation with stewardship models that last for generations.

The Vision

Community Led Homes is more than a housing solution. By creating homes that are affordable, secure, and sustainable, this approach tackles inequality at its roots. It offers a proven, scalable model that strengthens communities, reduces reliance on public services, and fosters resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges.

The Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group support community-led homes as an approach to deliver inclusive, affordable and sustainable home across Greater Manchester, contributing to a more equal economy that works for all. Community-ownership is a key element in driving this change forward as a city-region – you can read more about the role of community ownership in moving towards a more inclusive economy here.

For more details, contact Bernadette Elder at bernadette@inspiringcommunitiestogether.co.uk or Rachel Summerscales at rachel.summerscales@gmclh.org