Orchard Housing Society to Merge with jLiving, Securing Future of Sheltered Housing in Hampstead Garden Suburb

Hampstead Garden Suburb-based Orchard Housing Society has formally merged with jLiving through a transfer of engagements, bringing its sheltered housing provision under the jLiving umbrella. Despite the structural change, both parties emphasise that tenants will see no day-to-day differences.

Orchard Housing Society is a not-for-profit registered social landlord that provides accommodation specifically for older residents in housing need within Hampstead Garden Suburb. Its origins trace back to the early 20th century vision of Dame Henrietta Barnett, the Suburb’s founder, who prioritised housing for older people as part of her broader social planning ideals. The first dedicated flats for older residents opened in 1909.

By the 1960s, those original buildings had deteriorated and no longer met modern housing standards. In response, a group of local residents led by Edward Parry established the present-day Orchard Housing Society. New purpose-built accommodation was completed in 1972, funded through a combination of local contributions and a mortgage loan from the London Borough of Barnet.

Today, The Orchard provides 61 self-contained flats, housing 48 single residents and 13 couples. On-site managers oversee the day-to-day operations and support tenants’ wellbeing.

jLiving, which manages more than 500 properties—primarily within the London Borough of Barnet—has long operated in close proximity to Orchard. The merger will see The Orchard continue to function as a provider of social housing, while adopting jLiving’s broader organisational structure and resources.

Leaders from both organisations have framed the merger as a natural fit, citing shared values and a common focus on affordable, secure housing.

Stephen Goschalk, honorary treasurer of Orchard Housing Society, said the partnership would ensure the long-term sustainability of The Orchard’s mission. He added that the agreement had received backing from tenants and stakeholders, including representatives of other Hampstead Garden Suburb institutions.

jLiving’s chief executive, Jane Goodman, echoed those sentiments, describing the merger as the result of months of collaboration. She stressed that the ethos and admission criteria of The Orchard would remain unchanged, and confirmed there would be no staffing changes.

She also sought to reassure residents, stating that existing living arrangements would remain fully secure. She added that the organisation sees the merger as an opportunity to build on The Orchard’s legacy of providing quality housing for older people while responding to growing demand for affordable homes.

Both organisations say the combined entity will be better positioned to support the local community as housing pressures continue to increase, while maintaining the character and purpose that have defined The Orchard Housing Society for more than 50 years.