Development partnerships for supported living
Supporting more people to live independently starts with the right homes. We’re interested in hearing from developers and Registered Housing Providers who share that vision.
At Lifeways, we specialise in delivering high-quality support for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions and complex needs. Through our supported living partnerships, we collaborate with developers, landlords, housing providers and land agents to create services that enable people to live fulfilling, independent lives within their communities.
While we do not develop property directly, we work in close partnership with experienced developers to shape schemes from concept through to delivery. Our focus is on building trusted, long-term relationships that combine development expertise with operational insight to produce successful services and meaningful outcomes.
It has been an utter privilege working with the team and building a relationship where we can be so honest with each other, and question and test out our thinking in a safe way.
Anne Tebbs, Senior Commissioning Officer at Nottinghamshire County Council
Why partner with Lifeways
We are keen to build relationships with developers delivering new or refurbished homes, landlords with suitable properties or portfolios, and housing providers or investors looking to expand within the supported living sector.
Our role is to align high-quality housing with expert care and support. By working together, we create homes that are thoughtfully designed, built to a strong specification and shaped around real local demand.
What makes a successful development?
The most successful schemes are designed around the needs of the people who will live there. We work closely with partners to ensure every property promotes independence, safety and wellbeing.
Typically, this includes:
- Well-planned, functional layouts
- Accessible and inclusive design features
- Locations with strong access to local amenities and transport links
Where appropriate, we also support the integration of assistive and smart technologies to enhance independence and improve service delivery.
Our role in supported living property partnerships
Lifeways brings over 30 years of experience supporting people with diverse and complex needs across the UK.
We deliver specialist care backed by experienced operational teams and strong relationships with local authorities. This ensures that every service is not only compliant and effective but also viable over the long term.
Working alongside housing providers and developers, we help ensure each property delivers both high-quality support outcomes and a reliable housing solution.
Creating long-term value together
Our partnerships are built to last. We focus on sustainable demand, consistent delivery and positive outcomes for the people we support.
This approach gives confidence to developers, landlords and investors, while helping local authorities meet growing demand for high-quality supported living developments.
Supporting existing services and at-risk provision
In addition to new developments, we support services that may be at risk due to landlord exit or changes in provision.
Our team works collaboratively with local authorities and housing partners to secure existing homes where possible, or identify alternative solutions that maintain stability and continuity for residents.
A track record of successful partnerships
We have partnered with organisations across the UK to deliver high-quality supported living environments that promote independence and enhance quality of life.
Avon Place, Warwickshire
A custom-built supported living service that is home to six adults. Avon Place was commissioned by Warwickshire County Council, in conjunction with specialist property developers HomeLife.
Read more
Heron Court, Edinburgh
Delivered by Lifeways in partnership with Edinburgh City Council, Inclusion Housing, and specialist supported living developer HB Villages, Heron Court supports up to 24 adults with autism and learning disabilities.
Read more
Queen Oaks Court, Stoke-on-Trent
Queen Oaks Court is a supported living service operated by Living Ambitions, part of Lifeways Group, that has been purpose-built from the ground up. It supports 16 adults with complex needs to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Read more
West Park Apartments, Wolverhampton
A modern service comprising of two buildings providing 14 self-contained apartments, carefully designed to balance independence with tailored support.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
What types of properties are you looking for?
We consider a wide range of options, including:
- Self-contained one-bedroom apartments (ideally in schemes of 8–12 units)
- Clusters of bungalows
- New build and refurbished developments
- Land or sites for future development
The key requirement is that properties can safely and effectively support people with a range of needs.
Which locations do you prioritise?
We operate nationwide and respond to local authority demand. Our focus is on areas with a shortage of suitable provision or clear opportunities to improve existing housing.
Do you lease properties directly?
In most cases, we work with Registered Housing Providers who manage the property and lease arrangements. Lifeways focuses on delivering high-quality care and support within the home.
What size and specification do you require?
Requirements vary depending on the service, but typically include:
- Schemes of 8–12 apartments
- Minimum apartment size of approximately 45sqm (where possible)
- Accessible, step-free or wheelchair-friendly design
- On-site staff accommodation
- Parking provision
We are happy to engage early to help shape specifications, including the integration of assistive technology and staff alert systems where appropriate.
Do you work with developers during the design stage?
Yes, early collaboration is strongly encouraged. This allows us to offer practical input on layout, design and operational considerations, ensuring the development meets both commissioning requirements and the needs of future residents.
How do partnerships typically work?
A typical partnership brings together:
- A developer to deliver the scheme
- A housing provider to own and manage the property
- Lifeways to deliver ongoing care and support
This model creates a stable, effective and long-term solution for all stakeholders.
Let's talk
If you have a site, development or property that would be ideal for a supported living partnership, we’d welcome the opportunity to talk.
Contact us using the form below and a member of our Business Development & Relationship Management team will review your enquiry and connect you with the appropriate regional contact.
Together, we can create supported living developments that make a lasting difference.
