What the First Affordable Homes Handed Over at Newsam Rise in Leeds Mean for the Community

Finding a place to call your own, especially in a vibrant city like Leeds, can feel like a massive challenge. It seems like house prices are always on the up, and getting a foot on the property ladder is tougher than ever. But there’s some genuinely good news coming out of East Yorkshire. A new development is starting to open its doors, and it’s all about providing quality, affordable homes for people who really need them. On Tuesday, 13th January 2026, the first keys to these new properties were handed over at Newsam Rise, marking a brilliant start to a huge project aimed at building a brand-new community from the ground up. This is a big moment for affordable housing in West Yorkshire.

A new community takes shape in East Leeds

So, what’s all the fuss about? The development is called Newsam Rise (sometimes referred to as Newsum Rise), and it’s located right on the edge of the lovely Skelton Country Park. This isn't just a handful of new houses popping up; it’s a key part of the much bigger Skelton Gate regeneration. Imagine taking a massive, old, disused open-cast colliery and transforming it into a thriving place for people to live. That’s exactly what this regeneration project is doing. It’s a £60 million transformation that is breathing new life into the Leeds Aire Valley. The plan is massive, with around 1,800 new homes set to be built in total. The first affordable homes, which are now ready, represent a major milestone for this ambitious project in Leeds, spearheaded by the homebuilder Vistry.

What 'affordable homes' actually means here

The term 'affordable' gets thrown around a lot, but at Newsam Rise, it means there are real options for people on different incomes. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. The housebuilder, Vistry, has partnered with Incommunities, one of Yorkshire’s biggest social housing providers, to deliver 82 affordable homes. On top of that, another nine homes are being provided through shared ownership specialists, Heylo. But what are these different types of homes?

• Shared Ownership: This is for people who can’t quite afford a full mortgage on a property. You buy a share of the home (say, 50%) and pay a reduced rent on the part you don't own. Over time, you can buy more shares until you own the whole thing. The scheme offers 24 of these homes.

• Affordable Rent: This is where rent is set at a level lower than the private market rate. It provides a more secure and cheaper option for families and individuals. There are 32 affordable rent homes available.

• Social Rent: This is the most affordable option, with rents linked to local wages. It’s designed to help those on lower incomes or in significant housing need. The development includes 26 of these crucial homes.

This mix ensures that people in all sorts of situations have a chance to find a great place to live. And it's not just about affordable homes; Vistry is also building twenty properties for the open market through its Countryside Homes brand, creating a balanced and varied neighbourhood. The collaboration between different housing providers is making these sustainable homes a reality.

More than just houses, it's about building a future

A great community is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about having everything you need nearby to live, work, and play. The vision for the Skelton Gate regeneration is to create a place where people can truly put down roots and build a life. That’s why the long-term plan includes fantastic amenities. There will be brand new schools, including both a primary and a secondary school, which is amazing news for families. There will also be plenty of public open space for walks, picnics, and for kids to run around. A local centre is planned, which will include a handy convenience store for picking up everyday essentials. These future amenities are designed to ensure that the new homes are part of a complete, self-sustaining community where people can thrive. It’s this forward-thinking approach that turns a collection of houses into a proper home.

A partnership making a real difference in West Yorkshire

This kind of large-scale regeneration project doesn't happen by magic. It takes strong partnerships. The collaboration between Vistry East Yorkshire and Incommunities is at the centre of this success. By working together, they are ensuring the delivery of high-quality, sustainable homes for people across the region.

Rob Spittles, Managing Director of Vistry East Yorkshire, said:

“The handover of the first affordable homes to Incommunities marks a key milestone for Newsam Rise. The wider Skelton Gate regeneration is a major development for the region, and we’re proud to be part of it. Through our partnership with Incommunities and other housing providers, we’re helping to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes for the people who need them most.”

It's clear that this is a significant step forward. The focus is on quality and making sure these new homes are built to last, providing security and comfort for residents for many years to come.

Aimee Law, Director of Development and Regeneration for Incommunities Ltd, said:

“We’re pleased to partner with Vistry on this amazing regeneration project in Leeds, alongside other projects throughout the West Yorkshire region. With a mix of 24 Shared Ownership, 32 affordable rent and 26 social rent, we’re helping a wide range of people and families find a high-quality, affordable place to call home. The future provision of new schools and amenities helps ensure these homes are more than just a place to live – they’re places where people can put down roots and thrive for years to come.”

The handover of these first properties is just the beginning. It’s the start of a new chapter for this part of Leeds and a fantastic example of how developers and housing providers can work together to build not just homes, but futures. The work of Countryside Homes alongside other partners is essential to making this a well-rounded development.