CDA recognised in RICS’ MODUS magazine for its role in church-led housing

Illustration by Doug Chayka, for Modus by RICS

The Church Development Agency is delighted to have been recognised in this month’s edition of MODUS by RICS, in a feature that sets out the Church of England’s approach to social and affordable housing.

The feature, titled ‘Why the Church of England has faith in social housing’, outlines the Church’s ambitions to bring underused land forward for housing – signalling a growing awareness of church-led housing within the UK’s housing sector.

It notes how the Church is seeking to use its land holdings thoughtfully and highlights its ambition to deliver high quality homes that contributes positively to local communities.

It also acknowledges the range of organisations working together supporting this vision, including the Church Development Agency. Under the Church Housing umbrella, the CDA works alongside the Church Housing Association (CHA) and other partners, each bringing complementary expertise.

The article includes insights from our CEO Dan Mayes, alongside Bishop Guli, the Church of England’s Bishop of Housing. Dan reflects on the importance of supporting thoughtful and responsible community-focused development: “We want to build relationships and do things properly and thoroughly… this is where [the CoE] becomes a trusted partner.” Bishop Guli emphasises the wider purpose of these initiatives: “We want healthy communities, and at the heart of those are good quality, affordable housing.”

As we look ahead across 2026, the CDA continues to support churches in shaping projects that are thoughtful, viable, and aligned with long-term community benefit. To be recognised in a respected professional journal like MODUS is an encouraging nod to the potential of church led housing, but also a reminder of the important work still to be done.

Read the full article in the January 2026 edition of MODUS by RICS, available to download as a PDF, on pages 32 to 36.

We would like to thank Gela Pertusini for writing this thoughtful piece.