Why we’re exploring a merger and what it means for you
In March 2025, we announced our plans to explore a merger with Southend-based Estuary Housing Association. If the merger goes ahead, we’ll operate as one single organisation with a new name. You might be wondering why we’re considering a merger with another housing organisation. Here’s what’s behind our thinking, along with addressing some concerns you might have.
Similar goals, values, and performance
CHP and Estuary have a lot in common. We’re both Essex-based and have similar goals for the future and aligned values and culture. Our performance levels are also similar, which makes working together a natural fit.
Facing housing challenges together
Both organisations understand the growing challenges in the housing sector. We know the importance of improving customer service, improving the quality of existing homes, and the need to provide more affordable housing in Essex. After careful discussions, it’s clear that merging gives us a great opportunity to combine two forward-thinking, respected organisations to benefit current and future customers.
Your rent and service charges
If you rent your home, you may be concerned about the impact on your rent if we merge. If we go ahead with the merger, your tenancy terms won’t change. Your rent and service charges will stay the same, apart from the usual yearly increase set by the Government. Shared owners and leaseholders will also keep the same lease terms and services.
Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better
Being bigger gives us opportunities we wouldn’t have on our own. We’d have more money to invest in homes and services, access to a larger, more experienced workforce, and the ability to adopt the best practices from both organisations.
Level of service
In the short term, merging may cause some minor disruption, but we’ll work to keep services running smoothly. Bringing both organisations together will help us build a stronger, more resilient organisation that can do more for customers and homes and create more local housing. In the long term, we believe a merger will improve services and provide a better experience for you.
Your feedback matters
Like any service provider, some customers are very happy with our service, and others think we could do better. Please keep letting us know when things go wrong. We listen, learn, and improve, and that commitment won’t change if we merge.
If you’re a customer and haven’t yet shared your opinion on the merger, please complete the survey sent to you by email or available through the October edition of our monthly newsletter.
More information about the merger can be found on our website.