Turning Legacy Into
Lasting Impact
The Church Development Agency (CDA) is a consultancy and development partner supporting dioceses to identify, plan, and deliver housing projects using Church land.
We are one of seven key partners in the Church Housing Project – inspired by the Coming Home report – that’s mobilising the Church to meet the need for more housing.
Our aim is to create affordable, high-quality social housing, and communities well-supported by the Church and its partners within the Church Housing network.
Why the Church Development Agency?
The Church has land, buildings, and a deep commitment to community. At the Church Development Agency (CDA), we help turn these assets into good homes. Our mission is simple: to support dioceses, parishes, and partners to meet housing need in a way that’s both missional and professionally excellent.
We combine the technical skills of housing professionals with a heartfelt understanding of how the Church works. We know the systems, the governance, and the purpose. We speak the same language as parishes and planning officers – and we help turn vision into delivery.
We believe that every community deserves decent, affordable housing. And we believe the Church has a vital role to play.
What makes us different?
We believe housing should serve people, not profit.
Our work is driven by a commitment to social justice, ensuring that every decision we make prioritises people and communities over financial gain.
As part of the Church of England, we bring confidence and competence to a unique, trusted national network. Our long-term vision goes beyond individual projects, with a focus on building sustainable futures.
All our profits are reinvested to improve housing and to support the wider mission of the Church. By reinvesting back into communities, we ensure that our impact continues to grow and strengthen over time.
Through Thrive, we provide consultancy expertise in ecclesiastical sites and community-focused developments, unlocking potential in places that matter most. Our approach combines specialist knowledge with a deep understanding of social need.
We are also committed to transparency. With open-book accounting on all our developments, we give our partners and communities full visibility and accountability in how we work.
Together with the Church Housing Association and the Church Housing Foundation, we are part of a wider offer that strengthens our ability to deliver transformative solutions and helps build a movement for social change.
We started with 14 schemes. Within nine months, we had more than 30 in motion. Our pipeline now includes over 900 homes.
Behind every number is a local story – a church asking how it can serve its community, a patch of land being reimagined, a new start for someone in need of a home.
The Church has the resources. It also has the heart. We’re here to bring the two together.
A Growing Movement
Let’s Build Together
If your parish or diocese wants to respond to the housing crisis but doesn’t know where to begin – we can help. From first conversations to full developments, we walk with you every step of the way.
