Meridian Home Start (MHS) is a Community Benefit Society founded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to provide affordable rental housing for working families. Unlike traditional council housing bodies, we operate independently and are free from government borrowing constraints—giving us greater flexibility to deliver innovative housing solutions.
Our mission is simple yet transformative: to make high-quality homes accessible to those who may not qualify for social housing but find private rents out of reach. We typically offer rents at around 65% of market levels, ensuring families can put down roots and thrive in the community.
Since our establishment, we have developed more than 200 affordable homes across six sites in the borough, with an ambitious long-term target of building up to 500 homes within five years.
To ensure the best possible service for our residents, we engage the services of Pinnacle Housing Group, who provide tenancy management, maintenance, and customer support. This includes:
- Lettings and income management
- Responsive repairs
- Grounds maintenance
- Tenant engagement
As a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)–regulated Community Benefit Society, we combine independence with accountability, working hand in hand with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to increase affordable housing stock and improve lives across the community.
Our purpose and role in addressing the housing crisis in Greenwich
Achievements
MHS has achieved positive outcomes in both development and housing management. Working closely with our partners and suppliers we have continued to deliver a consistent service to residents and progress with upcoming schemes.
Development of new homes
Housing Management Performance 2024-25
Finance
Financial Statement
You can view our latest financial statement here
Our Direction of Travel
MHS is nearing the end of a strategic governance review, which has been undertaken in close collaboration with the Council. Both MHS and the Council have agreed that the best way to continue to develop our overall partnership, and for MHS to continue to be a preferred development partner of the Council, will be via a closer parent-subsidiary relationship.
Consequently, the board of MHS is now taking advice on how to effect this change in its ownership and governance structure. Similarly, the Council is also planning to progress this through its own governance and decision-making processes. Once implemented however, the board of MHS will still govern independently.
The board is also actively considering, with the Council’s express support, whether to apply for registered provider status as a not-for-profit housing association with the regulator of social housing.
As a new Chair has now been appointed, MHS will be working towards adopting a revised set of rules that will complement our partnership of the Council. Candidates will be informed of progress as the recruitment campaign progresses.
Meet the Board
Meet our Board of Directors, a group of professionals with extensive experience in property and housing. Their varied backgrounds in real estate, development, and management bring valuable insights that guide our strategic decisions. Together, they are committed to driving innovation and excellence in our organisation.