This included 350 affordable and social rent, 15 rent to buy, and 165 shared ownership homes, offering affordable ways for aspiring homeowners to get on the housing ladder.

Some 54% of the new stock were houses and 46% were flats.

A total of 165 homes were built on Hightown's own developments.

A recent report by the National Housing Federation revealed that two million children in England are living in an overcrowded home, highlighting the urgent need to build more affordable homes.

Hightown is growing quickly to tackle the housing crisis, having built over 1,000 new affordable homes in the past two years, despite rising inflation and interest rates.

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The housing association’s development programme over the next three years is likely to see it reach 10,000 homes as a social landlord.

In November, Hightown celebrated the delivery of its 8,000th home at its Whippendell Marine development in Watford.

At the end of 2022/23, Hightown's stock totalled 8,345 homes.

David Bogle, chief executive at Hightown Housing Association, said: "Given the current economic challenges, I am delighted that Hightown has continued to deliver good quality, affordable new homes in our core areas over the past year.

“During the cost of living crisis, the need for good quality, safe, affordable housing for local people and families who are priced out of the market is more important than ever.

“We are committed to doing all we can to help end the homelessness and housing crisis.”