Housing association Gentoo has announced a landmark investment programme aimed at improving more than 4,000 homes across Sunderland during 2025/26, in one of the city's largest ever housing improvement initiatives.

The multi-million-pound scheme will deliver a wide range of upgrades to thousands of properties, benefitting Gentoo customers citywide. Works will be delivered in partnership with a consortium of contractors, including 0800 Repair, PHS Home Solutions, Bell Group, Esh Construction, RE:GEN Group, Anglian Windows, and Isoler.

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Planned improvements include:

• External decoration

• Roof replacements and exterior enhancements

• Installation of new gas boilers and heating systems

• Energy efficiency upgrades

• New kitchens and bathrooms

• Full electrical rewires

A key focus of this year's investment is on sustainability, with significant efforts dedicated to boosting energy efficiency and cutting carbon emissions. Over 1,300 homes will undergo green upgrades, such as loft and cavity wall insulation, low-energy lighting, solar PV panels, air source heat pumps, smart heating controls and improvements to ventilation and draught-proofing.

The energy efficiency measures are part-funded by the government's Warm Homes Social Housing Fund and are designed to help homes reach an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above.

Gentoo reports that 78% of its housing stock already meets this standard, with over 1,600 additional homes achieving a C rating or better over the past year. The association remains on track to meet its target of bringing all its properties up to EPC C or higher by 2030.