Peabody secures £50m loan as CIC London enters UK social housing market

We have agreed a new £50m loan with CIC London, marking the European bank’s first investment in the UK social housing sector.

Published: 17/02/2026

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The funding will support our ongoing investment in residents’ homes and services, as well as our wider work in local communities. Last year, we spent £431m maintaining and improving residents’ homes and invested £9m in neighbourhood projects through our community foundation.  

CIC London is part of the French banking group Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. The group invests across a wide range of sectors but is also focused on making a positive impact on society. 

John Burns, Director at CIC London, said: “We are delighted to be completing this transaction with Peabody Trust, recognising the important role of housing associations in the UK.  

“This transaction is aligned with our Group’s “Entreprise à mission” (purpose), and our commitment to fostering a more equitable and sustainable society. We look forward to developing the relationship with Peabody Trust in the years to come.”  

Peabody Chief Financial Officer Phil Day said: “We welcome CIC’s entry into the social housing sector and value their confidence in Peabody and in the UK social housing model. This new loan will help us continue with our plans to deliver our long-term business plan, while ensuring value for money.  

“Access to a competitive and diverse lending market is important for organisations like ours as it helps us plan and deliver with confidence for the residents and communities we serve. We look forward to building a good working relationship with CIC.”  

Centrus introduced us to CIC and advised both parties on the transaction.  

A Centrus spokesperson said: “We were pleased to advise Peabody and work with CIC on this transaction, supporting a new lender’s entry into the social housing sector. Broadening the range of funding options available to housing associations is important, as diversification helps deliver long-term value for residents.”