Homebuilding group, untypical has announced a major deal with an Essex-based housing association to provide dozens of affordable homes at its Beaulieu development in Chelmsford.
Hopkins Homes, part of the untypical group, has exchanged contracts with CHP (Chelmer Housing Partnership), a locally managed and governed charitable housing association, based in the city.
The deal covers the sale of 67 homes comprising one, two and three-bedroom apartments along with timber-framed two, three and five-bedroom houses, all built to a high specification and quality finish. Of these, 40 will be designated for affordable rent, with 27 to be offered on a shared ownership basis to support local people.
The first property handovers are due in Summer 2026, with the aim of completing all affordable homes by the end of 2026. The deal also includes 3,455 sq ft of commercial space which will form an integral part of the development.
Duncan Jackson, Regional Managing Director of untypical’s Anglia region, said:
“Chelmsford City Council has announced that there is a critical shortage of housing in the city1, particularly for affordable homes to rent.
“Deals such as this are essential if we are to give all local people the opportunity to live in quality housing and remain in the place that they are connected to and call home.
“This is the first affordable housing contract between Hopkins Homes and CHP, and we look forward to working together to deliver the homes that Chelmsford so desperately needs.”
Beaulieu has marked a significant milestone for Hopkins Homes as it introduces timber frame construction for the first time. This innovative approach has enabled the brand to build homes more quickly and efficiently, whilst enhancing energy efficiency and lowering the embodied carbon footprint of each property.
The development is also gas-free with properties benefiting from air source heat pumps, electric heating and EV chargers.
Homes offered by CHP are designed to be affordable for people who cannot afford to rent or buy on the open market.
Fiona Hollingsworth, Growth and Partnerships Director at CHP said:
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Hopkins Homes on the Beaulieu development. By acquiring these 67 new homes for affordable rent and shared ownership, we’re helping to provide safe and secure long-term housing for local people, which is more important than ever as Chelmsford faces an acute housing shortage. These fantastic homes are thoughtfully designed and energy efficient, and we look forward to welcoming the new residents and providing them with excellent customer service.”
Hopkins Homes at Beaulieu will deliver 246 homes in total comprising 80 private sale homes, 99 build-to-rent properties for Invesco Real Estate, and the 67 affordable homes for CHP.