Why we've changed our name

We are renters, who got fed up of short-term, insecure housing and inspired by community-led housing. So we set up a platform to make living in a co-op easy.

We've experienced it all: slug infestations, indoor mushrooms, those here-we-go-again rents hikes that force you out the neighbourhood. Over the years, we realised that most landlords didn’t have the skills or funding to proactively fix issues. Not to mention the rules and restrictions.. no pets, no painting and none of the changes we need to make homes warm and sustainable.

Roost started its first co-op, in January 2024. We negotiated a 20-year lease, with controlled rent and more freedom for the people who called it home. Around this time we realised that lots of other companies used the name ‘Roost’, and we might not be able to get a trademark for our brand.

After a year of work, we realised a problem with the leasing model; co-ops still had to negotiate with owners upgrading their home. Many owners were looking to sell homes, rather than renting them out. At the same time, mainstream lenders were looking for new models to fix the housing crisis.

We talked to our customers, changed our approach, and took the chance to pick a new name. We wanted something that reflects our focus on long-term, stable homes. We know that renting doesn’t work. So we help co-ops find and finance a home in Stead.