HS Property Group (HSPG) has secured a £30m loan facility with Together to acquire a block of more than 40 flats that will re-home victims of domestic violence.

The Manchester-based property group, which has invested over £100million in the social housing sector, has agreed the loan facility with the specialist lender for the group to buy, refurbish and lease supported housing throughout the UK.

The first project to be funded by Together will be HSPG’s redevelopment of Watts Moses House on the outskirts of Sunderland – a block of 43 self-contained flats which will act as a refuge for abuse victims.

HSPG CEO, Guy Horne, commented: “Domestic violence is sadly an issue throughout the country, and, therefore investing in areas where we can achieve the most social good is the best way to deal with this growing problem.

“Watts Moses House is an exciting step for our company. We pride ourselves on consistently making socially driven business decisions, and this is one of them. The property’s location in Sunderland’s city centre will provide a refuge for victims of domestic violence, in an area which boasts many amenities.

“This is just the first of many projects we will be embarking upon with Together’s backing and the £30m facility will increase our ability to provide much needed supported housing across the country. The project will run smoothly thanks to them.”

Together Head of specialist lending, Robert Goodall, said the partnership with HSPG and the purchase of Watts Moses House was “important”, following a surge in domestic violence cases during lockdown.

The Guardian reported in August that figures provided by police forces across the UK had revealed two-thirds of women in abusive relationships have suffered more violence from their partners during the pandemic.

Goodall said: “We are confidently backing HSPG with this new facility to help those – individuals and families – whose lives have been devastated by domestic violence. With aligned business and ethical focuses, we are excited about driving the facility forward and moving onto the next supported housing acquisition with HSPG.”

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