Building homes and futures in Milton Keynes

Words by: Cushon

Published on 24th September 2025

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3 min read

We invest in affordable housing developments as part of the Cushon Sustainable Investment Strategy, recognising that stable housing is fundamental to both individual wellbeing and a thriving economy. 

Our investment in Milton Keynes addresses the housing crisis head-on, acquiring 38 homes specifically designed to support young people facing housing insecurity.  

What’s the investment?  

Located in Whitehouse Park (MK8 1FB), our investment forms part of a major three-phase affordable housing development in Milton Keynes. 

We’re partnering with YMCA Milton Keynes and a Registered Provider to ensure these homes reach the young people who need them most. 

Milton Keynes might be known for its roundabouts and concrete cows, but it’s also one of the UK's most dynamic growth areas. This new mixed-use development will eventually house 4,400 families, supported by schools, healthcare facilities, sports centres, and employment hubs. 

It’s not just about building houses – it’s about creating a complete community where people can live, work, learn and thrive. 

What’s the impact on society? 

The UK housing crisis affects millions of people, with over 1.3 million households on social housing waiting lists. For young people especially, the lack of affordable housing can be a barrier to education, employment, and building independent lives. 

By investing in affordable housing, NatWest Cushon members are directly contributing to solving this challenge. 

Our partnership with YMCA Milton Keynes ensures these homes serve young people who might otherwise face homelessness or unstable housing situations. Steady accommodation provides the foundation they need to pursue education, find employment, and build their futures. 

The homes are also designed to be energy-efficient, reducing both environmental impact and living costs for residents – making them genuinely affordable in the long term. 

Why is your money being invested this way? 

Housing represents one of the most resilient investment opportunities available. People will always need somewhere to live, and demand consistently outstrips supply in the UK. 

Our affordable housing investment offers expected average returns of 8% per annum – providing the steady, long-term growth that pension savings require. 

We see investments that address fundamental social needs – like housing – as being particularly well-positioned for long-term growth. They solve real problems while generating sustainable returns. 

At the same time, investments that ignore social and environmental factors increasingly face regulatory and reputational risks that could impact returns. 

Our approach seeks to make the most of the opportunities while reducing the risks, so you can have a future that’s worth retiring into. 

Important information on case studies: The case studies provided in this document are for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be recommendation of an investment in, or a comprehensive statement of all of the factors or considerations which may be relevant to an investment in, the referenced securities. The case studies have been selected to illustrate the investment process undertaken by the Manager in respect of a certain type of investment, but may not be representative of the Fund's past or future portfolio of investments as a whole and it should be understood that the case studies of themselves will not be sufficient to give a clear and balanced view of the investment process undertaken by the Manager or of the composition of the investment portfolio of the Fund now or in the future.