Orwell Housing Association is pleased to announce the acquisition of Handford Place, a local development located on Handford Road, Ipswich, which will provide 22 much‑needed homes for single people and couples in need of accommodation.

The homes, 22 self‑contained flats, were completed in 2022 but have unfortunately remained empty since construction. Orwell finalised the acquisition from a global investment firm on Friday 13 March 2026, enabling the organisation to bring the properties into use for the benefit of the local community.

This acquisition supports several of Orwell’s key strategic objectives, including continued growth, the expansion of supported housing and helping address significant local housing need alongside partners across Suffolk. Minor improvement works will begin shortly, after which the homes will be ready for occupation.

Greg Dodds, Assistant Director of Development and Growth at Orwell Housing Association said “Thanks to the support of Homes England funding, we are delighted to complete the acquisition of these high‑quality yet long‑vacant homes in Ipswich town centre. It has been disappointing to see newly built properties sitting empty for several years, especially at a time when affordable housing is in such demand. We will now be undertaking some minor improvement works so these homes can quickly be brought into use, helping to meet the town’s pressing housing needs in partnership with our local stakeholders.”

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