CHP and Estuary merger

CHP and Estuary Housing Association merging to create Delta Housing 

In March 2025, we announced plans to explore a merger with Southend-based Estuary Housing Association Limited (Estuary), and recently consulted with customers on the proposed merger. 

At special meetings in December, both CHP and Estuary’s Boards gave their approval for the merger. As of 1 April 2026, CHP and Estuary will be coming together as Delta Housing (Delta).

Once the merger takes place, you’ll still have the same rights to live in your home, and the conditions of your tenancy agreement or lease won't change. You’ll also have the same level of legal rights and protection that you have now.

While we’re strong independently, our work has shown that together we can create something new, built on the best of both organisations. We’re both committed to tackling the housing crisis locally, and joining together will also help us better address housing needs.

We’ll be able to build more new homes, increase investment in our existing homes, and provide better services to our customers.

CHP currently owns and manages more than 12,500 homes, with the largest number in and around Chelmsford. Estuary Housing Association has over 4,500 homes, with the largest number in Southend-on-Sea. This means that Delta will own and manage more than 17,000 homes and will be the largest housing association focused on, and headquartered in, Essex.