Technology for smarter asset management
I grew up in a two-bedroom council flat in Stockwell, South London, in the early 1960s. For my father, a hardworking taxi driver, it provided stability and a chance to build a life. That modest home taught me that housing is more than just a roof over your head; it’s also the foundation for opportunity and community. Today, I’m driven by a simple question – how can technology help ensure social housing continues to provide that vital foundation?
From personal roots to collective responsibility
Social housing has evolved since the 1960s but many of the same challenges remain. Ageing properties, rising costs and increased regulation demand innovative solutions. Yet the core mission remains the same; creating homes where people feel safe, valued and empowered.
Technology can bridge the gap between operational efficiency and tenant welfare. Beyond simply fixing problems faster, technology can ensure that no one has to live with the uncertainty of draughty windows, damp walls or faulty boilers. This isn’t only about future-proofing housing portfolios, it’s also about improving lives.
A smarter way to manage housing portfolios
1. Predictive analytics – Anticipating needs
In the past, repairs were only carried out after problems arose. Today, predictive analytics can anticipate issues before they happen. For instance, Ipswich Borough Council uses Mobysoft’s RentSense software to reduce its arrears while proactively supporting tenants.
2. The internet of things – Listening to homes in real time
Imagine homes that can communicate their condition. IoT devices monitor humidity and temperature, identifying problems such as damp and mould before they escalate. Guinness Partnership’s adoption of Aico’s HomeLink system demonstrates how real-time data can enhance housing management, making homes safer and more comfortable.
3. Artificial intelligence – From reactive to proactive
AI can transform maintenance from a reactive to a proactive process. Systems such as Civica’s Cx housing management software can predict failures and optimise schedules, ensuring faster and less disruptive repairs.
Real lives, real impact
These technologies are already delivering meaningful results. Hyde Group’s use of software and services from Engage Process has halved its void times, helping families access homes faster. Wakefield & District Housing’s integration of Cadcorp’s geospatial data system has improved first-time fix rates, reducing the stress of repeated visits. These aren’t mere operational improvements; they are life-changing solutions for tenants.
Technology with purpose
Empathy is at the heart of every successful innovation. Whether it’s ensuring an elderly tenant isn’t left without a working boiler or helping a single parent maintain a warm, dry home, technology must prioritise human outcomes.
The goal is to empower housing providers to become more effective. By embracing the potential of technology, we can achieve faster, smarter and more cost-effective solutions that meet tenants’ needs. This isn’t just about maintaining housing stock; it’s also about safeguarding the well-being of the people who live there.
Building the future together
The journey from Stockwell’s council flats to today’s smart homes highlights the resilience and innovation within the housing sector. However, the mission is far from complete. As technology evolves, its role in supporting housing providers will become increasingly crucial.
By harnessing these advances, we can maintain what we already have, build more homes and invest in tenants’ futures – this is the legacy we should strive to build together.
George Grant is the CEO, publisher and co-founder of Housing Technology.
