ASSISTED LIVING FAQS
How liquid is an ALU investment if I need to exit early?
While ALUs are designed to be long-term income assets, early exit is possible through secondary market sales or structured buyout arrangements. The level of liquidity often depends on factors such as lease length remaining, location, and tenant demand. During your strategy call, we’ll discuss potential exit pathways and structure your investment with flexibility in mind where appropriate.
Are there risks if the care provider fails?
Yes — like any property let to a third party, operator performance is key. However, all lease contracts include robust clauses such as reassignment provisions, which allow for the transfer of lease responsibility to an alternative approved operator if necessary. We pre-vet all housing and care providers and monitor them on an ongoing basis to reduce this risk. Supported housing is also governed by statutory responsibilities, meaning there is a framework in place to ensure tenants remain protected even if providers change.
What types of tenants live in ALUs?
ALUs house individuals with support needs — such as adults with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, or mobility impairments. These tenants are supported by care providers who manage day-to-day care and tenancy-related matters. Importantly, the landlord has no interaction with the tenants; the lease is with the housing provider, making this a hands-off investment.
Who are The Housing Association?
The Housing Association is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society that prides itself on providing safe and sustainable accommodation across different boroughs. In addition to providing high quality accommodation, they offer dedicated support to ensure their clients can maintain their tenancy whilst also supporting their self-development in other life skill areas.
Why does The Housing Association not appear as a Charity?
Community Benefit Societies and Charities are not the same thing. The Housing Association are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC as having charitable tax status however as they return a profit, they are not considered a charity.
What would the procedure be should The Housing Association cease trading in relation to existing leases?
Should The Housing Association cease to trade, the key stakeholder that is ultimately responsible for the vulnerable tenants would be responsible for identifying an alternative housing provider. The key stakeholder being the Adult Social Care or Health Commissioners in respect of the Supported Living properties or the Strategic Housing Authority in respect of the social lets provision. These stakeholders have a statutory duty to ensure that the vulnerable individuals continue to be accommodated in safe, suitable housing in addition to receiving assessed statutory care and support requirements, of which they directly commission. It would be their responsibility to source an alternative housing provider and to work with them to assign existing leases from The Housing Association, ensuring that there could be a continuum of service for the tenants.
Can I diversify across multiple units or regions?
Yes. Diversification is a common strategy among ALU investors who want to spread capital across various locations, lease types, or care providers. This can help balance risk and stabilise returns. We help you build a tailored portfolio — whether you prefer a phased approach or are looking to deploy larger capital in one go — ensuring your investments align with your income goals and risk profile.
What due diligence is required?
Investing in ALUs requires thorough due diligence — but we support you through the entire process. This includes reviewing lease agreements, operator history and financials, property condition, local authority demand, and long-term sustainability of the care model. We only work with vetted partners and provide access to relevant documentation and guidance so that you can invest confidently and responsibly.
How do ALUs perform during economic downturns?
Because ALUs are underpinned by local authority or government-backed housing demand, they tend to be more resilient than traditional rental properties during economic downturns. Vulnerable housing remains a statutory priority, and leases are not directly reliant on private tenants or fluctuating market rents — making them a more secure income asset in volatile times.
Can I visit the property before I invest?
Yes. We encourage due diligence, and that includes viewing the property, reviewing documents, and meeting the operator where appropriate. Some investors prefer a fully remote process, while others value an in-person inspection. We’ll work with you to arrange a visit that fits your preferred level of involvement.
What is a Community Benefit Society?
A community benefit society's role is to serve the broader interests of the community. Any profit made by a community benefit society must be used for the benefit of the community.
All community benefit societies are registered by the Financial Conduct Authority & HMRC. This is not to be confused with a Non-For-Profit Charity.
A community benefit society is a corporate body registered under the co-operative and CBS act 2014 and authorised by the FCA. It is registered as a Limited Company and although it will appear on the register at companies house, the FCA manages the annual returns and accounts.
How does the landlord receive the rent from The Housing Association?
The Housing Association receive the rental amounts from the Local Authority and the money is then transferred by them to the Landlord.
USEFUL INFORMATION
The Housing Association & Financial Conduct Authority
The Housing Association is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a mutual society. The reason why they are registered as opposed to regulated is due to The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This is the act that gives the FCA their legislative powers. Within that act it states that any entity that provides activities per Part IV A will need to be regulated, thus The Housing Association does not offer any regulated activities and can be found on the Mutuals Public Register.
The Current Housing Association
Company Number: RS008375
Registration Number: 8375
Status: Registered
Registration As: Community Benefit Society
Registration Date: 25 March 2020
Registration Act: Co-operative and Community Benefit
Societies Act 2014
Address: 21 Hare Hill Road, Littleborough, England, OL9 15AD
Link: https://mutuals.fca.org.uk/Search/Society/30641
Payments - How Do They Work?
Stage 1: The Housing Association approach the Local Authority (LA) with a statement of purpose. The LA will then decide if there is a demand for supported accommodation in that area.
Once agreed the LA will then conduct their due diligence around the Housing Association and the criteria. Once complete, the LA will accept the association to operate under exempt rents in the area.
Stage 2: The Housing Association will then submit rent calculations for approval for each property. Once agreed referrals are then made by the LA and other stake holders.
The Housing Association will then conduct a thorough assessment and background check on the tenant. Once the tenant is accepted, and The Housing Association are confident that they meet the criteria, a housing benefit claim is submitted to the LA and DWP and the payment, which goes directly to the landlord via the association, goes live circa 7 days from
Registered Provider Vs CBS
Within the Assisted Living sector, Housing Associations are either termed as Registered Providers or Community Benefit Society. The Housing Association are termed as a CBS and this has a number of benefits as opposed to Registered Providers, the key ones being;
- Registered Providers cannot issue 25 Year Lease/Tenancies
- The DWP will only give unique authorisation to receive payment directly from the DWP to a CBS.
How liquid is an ALU investment if I need to exit early?
While ALUs are designed to be long-term income assets, early exit is possible through secondary market sales or structured buyout arrangements. The level of liquidity often depends on factors such as lease length remaining, location, and tenant demand. During your strategy call, we’ll discuss potential exit pathways and structure your investment with flexibility in mind where appropriate.
Are there risks if the care provider fails?
Yes — like any property let to a third party, operator performance is key. However, all lease contracts include robust clauses such as reassignment provisions, which allow for the transfer of lease responsibility to an alternative approved operator if necessary. We pre-vet all housing and care providers and monitor them on an ongoing basis to reduce this risk. Supported housing is also governed by statutory responsibilities, meaning there is a framework in place to ensure tenants remain protected even if providers change.
What types of tenants live in ALUs?
ALUs house individuals with support needs — such as adults with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, or mobility impairments. These tenants are supported by care providers who manage day-to-day care and tenancy-related matters. Importantly, the landlord has no interaction with the tenants; the lease is with the housing provider, making this a hands-off investment.
Who are The Housing Association?
The Housing Association is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society that prides itself on providing safe and sustainable accommodation across different boroughs. In addition to providing high quality accommodation, they offer dedicated support to ensure their clients can maintain their tenancy whilst also supporting their self-development in other life skill areas.
Why does The Housing Association not appear as a Charity?
Community Benefit Societies and Charities are not the same thing. The Housing Association are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC as having charitable tax status however as they return a profit, they are not considered a charity.
What would the procedure be should The Housing Association cease trading in relation to existing leases?
Should The Housing Association cease to trade, the key stakeholder that is ultimately responsible for the vulnerable tenants would be responsible for identifying an alternative housing provider. The key stakeholder being the Adult Social Care or Health Commissioners in respect of the Supported Living properties or the Strategic Housing Authority in respect of the social lets provision. These stakeholders have a statutory duty to ensure that the vulnerable individuals continue to be accommodated in safe, suitable housing in addition to receiving assessed statutory care and support requirements, of which they directly commission. It would be their responsibility to source an alternative housing provider and to work with them to assign existing leases from The Housing Association, ensuring that there could be a continuum of service for the tenants.
Can I diversify across multiple units or regions?
Yes. Diversification is a common strategy among ALU investors who want to spread capital across various locations, lease types, or care providers. This can help balance risk and stabilise returns. We help you build a tailored portfolio — whether you prefer a phased approach or are looking to deploy larger capital in one go — ensuring your investments align with your income goals and risk profile.
What due diligence is required?
Investing in ALUs requires thorough due diligence — but we support you through the entire process. This includes reviewing lease agreements, operator history and financials, property condition, local authority demand, and long-term sustainability of the care model. We only work with vetted partners and provide access to relevant documentation and guidance so that you can invest confidently and responsibly.
How do ALUs perform during economic downturns?
Because ALUs are underpinned by local authority or government-backed housing demand, they tend to be more resilient than traditional rental properties during economic downturns. Vulnerable housing remains a statutory priority, and leases are not directly reliant on private tenants or fluctuating market rents — making them a more secure income asset in volatile times.
Can I visit the property before I invest?
Yes. We encourage due diligence, and that includes viewing the property, reviewing documents, and meeting the operator where appropriate. Some investors prefer a fully remote process, while others value an in-person inspection. We’ll work with you to arrange a visit that fits your preferred level of involvement.
What is a Community Benefit Society?
A community benefit society's role is to serve the broader interests of the community. Any profit made by a community benefit society must be used for the benefit of the community.
All community benefit societies are registered by the Financial Conduct Authority & HMRC. This is not to be confused with a Non-For-Profit Charity.
A community benefit society is a corporate body registered under the co-operative and CBS act 2014 and authorised by the FCA. It is registered as a Limited Company and although it will appear on the register at companies house, the FCA manages the annual returns and accounts.
How does the landlord receive the rent from The Housing Association?
The Housing Association receive the rental amounts from the Local Authority and the money is then transferred by them to the Landlord.
USEFUL INFORMATION
The Housing Association & Financial Conduct Authority
The Housing Association is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a mutual society. The reason why they are registered as opposed to regulated is due to The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This is the act that gives the FCA their legislative powers. Within that act it states that any entity that provides activities per Part IV A will need to be regulated, thus The Housing Association does not offer any regulated activities and can be found on the Mutuals Public Register.
The Current Housing Association
Company Number: RS008375
Registration Number: 8375
Status: Registered
Registration As: Community Benefit Society
Registration Date: 25 March 2020
Registration Act: Co-operative and Community Benefit
Societies Act 2014
Address: 21 Hare Hill Road, Littleborough, England, OL9 15AD
Link: https://mutuals.fca.org.uk/Search/Society/30641
Payments - How Do They Work?
Stage 1: The Housing Association approach the Local Authority (LA) with a statement of purpose. The LA will then decide if there is a demand for supported accommodation in that area.
Once agreed the LA will then conduct their due diligence around the Housing Association and the criteria. Once complete, the LA will accept the association to operate under exempt rents in the area.
Stage 2: The Housing Association will then submit rent calculations for approval for each property. Once agreed referrals are then made by the LA and other stake holders.
The Housing Association will then conduct a thorough assessment and background check on the tenant. Once the tenant is accepted, and The Housing Association are confident that they meet the criteria, a housing benefit claim is submitted to the LA and DWP and the payment, which goes directly to the landlord via the association, goes live circa 7 days from
Registered Provider Vs CBS
Within the Assisted Living sector, Housing Associations are either termed as Registered Providers or Community Benefit Society. The Housing Association are termed as a CBS and this has a number of benefits as opposed to Registered Providers, the key ones being;
- Registered Providers cannot issue 25 Year Lease/Tenancies
- The DWP will only give unique authorisation to receive payment directly from the DWP to a CBS.