CALEDONIA Housing Association has announced it has secured a ‘uniquely structured’ £75 million private placement, with support from NatWest, to further its commitment to building sustainable housing and becoming a carbon neutral organisation.
The organisation added that it intends to use the proceeds from the transaction to construct over 500 energy efficient new homes.
Caledonia said it was supported by NatWest to raise the profile of the association in the market and generate interest from investors. This proved ‘very productive with strong interest’ shown by investors, Caledonia added, resulting in bids which were nearly five times the launch amount.
Despite the challenging market conditions, Caledonia said the ‘strength and stability’ of the organisation meant that investors offered 20-35 year maturities and a ‘distinct framework’ of funding deferrals up to 44 months. This will allow Caledonia to draw down the funds in three tranches to meet its business plan funding requirements and provide greater certainty for the future development and investment programmes.
Leigh Grubb, director of finance and governance, Caledonia Housing Association, said, “Providing affordable and energy-efficient housing is central to our strategy, and the completion of this funding package is a significant milestone for Caledonia Housing Association. It provides an opportunity for investors to support our ongoing housing development programme as we continue to play a part in meeting the overwhelming need for high quality social housing in Scotland.
“We have enjoyed our close working relationship with the team at NatWest, who took the necessary time and care to fully understand and refine our specific funding objectives, before successfully matching these requirements with strong interest from a number of high quality investors.
“This funding exercise also underlines the commitments the Association has already made to its broader sustainability agenda and we are pleased to have the support of our new investors as we set out to deliver on our key goals.”
NatWest worked closely with the organisation to help develop a Sustainable Finance Framework and acted as Sole Agent and Sole (ESG) Structuring Bank.
George Flynn, financing solutions, NatWest, added, “NatWest is proud to have enabled and supported Caledonia Housing Association in achieving its debut private placement. This has enabled Caledonia to develop strong and supportive investor relationships and a funding package that is closely aligned to their business plan requirements, achieving their core financing objectives.
“Not only does this further reinforce our support for the housing association sector but is demonstrable of NatWest’s commitment to supporting clients in articulating their ESG (environmental, social and governance) journeys to investors.”
