Colorful logo for Cross Keys Homes with overlapping shapes in blue, red, purple, yellow, and green, featuring the initials 'CKH' and the full name beneath.

Number of homes: Around 11,000
CEO: Claire Higgins
Website: www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk
Areas of operation: East of England, primarily Peterborough

About

Cross Keys Homes is a housing association managing around 11,000 properties across the East of England. Its portfolio includes social housing, shared ownership, private rent, and leasehold homes. Since 2004, it has built more than 1,300 new homes and has an active development programme. Cross Keys also positions itself as more than a landlord, investing in communities, services, and neighbourhood improvements.

Performance & Accountability

Cross Keys is regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (code LH4428). In November 2022, its viability rating was downgraded from V1 to V2 due to increased financial pressures, while governance remained at G1. The regulator cited reduced financial headroom linked to development exposure, housing market risk, and wider economic factors such as inflation and interest rates. Cross Keys is financially secure but has less capacity to respond to adverse events.

Strategic Direction

The organisation is committed to expanding its housing stock, with development focused on both rental and low-cost home ownership units. Alongside new homes, Cross Keys is investing in its existing stock and supporting wider community services, including independent living, LifeLine alarms, and extra care schemes.

Resident Experience

Cross Keys highlights its role in supporting residents to live independently and safely. However, Housing Ombudsman cases have identified issues including compensation disputes for damp and mould damage, rent arrears arising from duplication, property condition at handover, and restrictive communication arrangements.

At a glance

  • Homes: 11,000 across the East of England

  • Governance/Viability: G1/V2 – strong governance, reduced financial headroom

  • Focus: Affordable housing, development, independent living services

  • Key identity points: Peterborough’s largest independent living provider, LifeLine alarms, ongoing new build programme