Aster Group has secured the highest possible rating from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) under new consumer standards.
The housing association has been awarded a C1 grading in its first review under the consumer standards. The rating recognises Aster’s performance in areas including customer experience, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.
Aster also retained its G1 governance rating and V2 financial viability rating. The landlord has held G1 or its equivalent since the regulatory grading system was introduced, while its financial viability rating moved from V1 to V2 in December 2025 – a shift the RSH linked to increased investment in services across Aster’s portfolio of more than 38,000 homes.
The RSH cited Aster’s Customer Voice programme and a new digital information platform as reasons behind the C1 grading, alongside the landlord’s transparency about areas for improvement. A Customer Engagement Framework has also been introduced, which Aster says has strengthened how residents can influence strategic decisions.
Over the past 12 months, Aster says it has expanded resident representation within its governance structure, including appointing a customer chair and member to its Customer Voice Committee.
Bjorn Howard, group chief executive officer at Aster Group, said: “To get the very best in the regulator’s new consumer ratings is a tremendous recognition of our approach to customer care and the commitment of our teams.
“It’s important that we take the time and effort to properly listen to our customers and learn from them at every opportunity. This engagement is what’s shaped our Customer Voice programme and new framework, delivering enhancements to the services we provide and better outcomes.
“Retaining our G1 governance rating – which we have held since the regulatory grading system came into force – is a further mark of confidence in the strength and stability of our leadership. Strong governance is what forms the foundation of our comprehensive support for customers.
“Meanwhile, our V2 financial viability rating reflects our focus on investing in our portfolio of homes across the South of England and London, which is the right thing to do for customers – not only for today, but long into the future.”
In its unaudited results for 2025/26, Aster reported completing 978 homes, including 914 affordable homes, with a development pipeline of 2,708 homes due for completion by March 2035. This includes a strategic partnership with Homes England to deliver 1,550 homes by March 2028.
Image credit: Orathai Mayoeh/Shutterstock
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