10 July 2025
Vistry completes forward sale of almost 200 affordable homes to Abri in Hampshire
Vistry Group, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer, has agreed two transactions with housing provider Abri that enable the delivery of almost 200 affordable homes in Hampshire. Vistry’s deal with Abri in Funtley will facilitate the delivery of a 125-home development, with 119 of these homes as affordable housing and, subject to demand, six custom-build homes. In East Hampshire, Vistry has also completed the forward sale of 73 affordable homes to Abri, enabling the delivery of 50% affordable housing at Phase 4 of the Bordon development.
In Funtley, Vistry has completed the simultaneous land acquisition of the 15.94-hectare site from specialist land promoter Reside Group and the forward sale of 119 homes to long-standing housing association partner Abri. The site benefits from full planning permission secured from Fareham Borough Council in September 2024 for 119 affordable homes - 60% for shared ownership and 40% for affordable rent - alongside outline planning permission for six custom-build homes.
The development will feature a broad mix of homes to support diverse local housing needs, from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses. These homes will be fully electric, equipped with EV charging points and will be constructed using timber frames built in Vistry’s off-site manufacturing facility.
With the simultaneous deal now completed, a start on site is targeted for summer 2025, with the first completions anticipated in summer 2026 and final handovers expected by August 2027. The scheme will also deliver significant community and environmental benefits including a 12.5-hectare community park with 12 dedicated public parking spaces for community park visitors and, subject to demand, a future community building.
At Bordon in East Hampshire, the forward sale of 73 affordable homes to Abri marks a significant step forward in enabling the delivery of high-quality, mixed-tenure housing in one of Hampshire’s most ambitious regeneration areas.
The Phase 4 site in Bordon, acquired by Vistry in January 2025, benefits from outline planning permission for 146 new homes. This deal with Abri enables 50% of the development to be delivered as affordable housing, making a substantial contribution to meeting local housing needs and also supporting the continued transformation of the former garrison town into a vibrant, sustainable community.
Subject to approval of the reserved matters planning application which has been submitted to East Hampshire District Council, construction works are projected to start in October 2025 with the first homes due to complete in July 2026.
Bordon Phase 4 forms part of the wider Whitehill & Bordon regeneration programme, a £1 billion initiative to transform this former garrison town into a prosperous and sustainable green town with new homes, infrastructure, jobs and green spaces. Once complete, the area will include new schools, a revitalised town centre and extensive public open space, alongside more than 3,000 new homes.
On both sites, Abri will use its own funding alongside grant funding from its Strategic Partnership with Homes England (the government’s housing and delivery agency), to make all the homes affordable.
Trevor Wicks, Managing Director for Vistry Southern, said: "We’re proud to continue our successful partnership with Abri in Hampshire, which combines the best of sustainable development, partnership working, and placemaking. With 100% affordable housing, a new country park, and off-site timber frame construction, our Funtley development will deliver real value for Fareham’s future residents and the wider community.”
“We’re also very pleased to extend our close relationship with Abri at the next phase of development at Bordon. This agreement ensures that affordable, high-quality homes will be delivered in the heart of a thriving new community, helping to support long-term housing need and contribute to the area’s ongoing regeneration.”
Jon Tulloch, Senior Land Manager at Abri, commented on the Funtley deal: “Building 119 affordable homes at this development in Funtley will make a meaningful difference for local people by providing high-quality, secure housing within a well-connected community. We’re grateful to Vistry for their continued collaboration and the strong partnership approach that has helped bring this development forward. This marks another important step toward Abri’s commitment to building 10,000 homes by 2030, with a strong focus on creating well designed, sustainable homes that support thriving communities.”
Steve Taylor, Head of Land and Planning at Abri, commented on the Bordon deal:“We’re proud to be delivering 73 affordable homes as part of Phase 4 of the Bordon development, ensuring that 50% of the new homes will be genuinely affordable. This is a significant contribution to the area, providing high-quality, sustainable homes that meet local needs and support an inclusive community. We look forward to continuing our work with Vistry to bring these homes forward and create a place where people and families can thrive.”