Abri retains A3 stable credit rating one year on from Octavia merger

Abri had said in its annual accounts for 2024-25 that the fall in overall margin from 32.6% to 22.6% over the year was primarily due to spending on Octavia’s homes.

Octavia officially joined Abri as a subsidiary last December, and the landlord explained that it had spent the last year working to stabilise Octavia’s financial position and improve its homes and resident services.

Caroline Moore, Abri’s financial officer, said the housing association is “delighted” to retain its A3 rating.

“Moody’s have recognised Abri’s strong market position and solid liquidity, enabling the continued delivery of quality affordable homes and services,” she added.

Gary Orr, group chief executive, said the reaffirmed credit rating and “highest regulatory rating” for governance and viability means Abri is aiming to “deliver even more in 2026”.

He said: “Abri’s scale, resilience and strong track record in successful partnerships has been recognised in Moody’s baseline credit assessment.

“We’ve made great strides in helping Octavia address the challenges it has faced and we’re now building on the strong foundations laid to deliver improved outcomes for our customers in London.”

This month, Abri added Baroness Polly Neate, former chief executive of Shelter, and investment banker Melanie Czarra to its board.