A pioneering 50 years

We’re proud to celebrate 50 years of pioneering and supporting co-operative and community-led housing. To mark our 50th year, we’ve produced a short story, charting an extraordinary journey from our first developments in Dartford to becoming the largest provider of services to housing co-ops in the UK.

The document showcases key milestones, including the creation of thousands of homes, the support of independent housing co-operatives, and innovative models that have shaped the sector. Today, CDS owns just under 1,000 homes across Southeast England, supports 31 co-ops with landlord and business services, and continues to invest in new approaches that make community-led housing more widely available.

This anniversary is not just a look back – it’s a commitment to the future. The publication reflects our resilience through challenges, our advocacy for community ownership and management, and our dedication to empowering residents. As we move forward, CDS remains focused on providing high quality social housing and supporting co-operatives to thrive.

Explore the full story in ‘50 Years of CDS Co-operatives’ and join us in celebrating a legacy built on collaboration and innovation.