Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are transforming the way towns like Soham think about housing, land, and local ownership.
But because CLTs work differently from traditional housing developers, there are still a few myths and misunderstandings about how they operate.
At Thrift Soham Community Land Trust, we believe in transparency — and in helping our community understand how this model works and why it matters.
So, let’s clear up a few common misconceptions.
Myth 1: “CLTs are just another type of housing developer.”
Truth: CLTs aren’t commercial developers — we’re community stewards.
Unlike private developers, a CLT doesn’t build to make a profit. Instead, it builds to meet local needs.
Every home, every project, and every penny of income is reinvested back into the community — not into shareholders’ pockets.
At Thrift Soham, that means homes remain affordable forever, and every project strengthens the town rather than changing it for short-term gain.
Myth 2: “Affordable housing isn’t really affordable in the long run.”
Truth: Homes owned by a CLT stay affordable — permanently.
When a CLT owns the land beneath the homes, it removes that land from the open market.
This ensures that even when homes are sold or rented in the future, they remain priced in line with local incomes, not market inflation.
At Thrift Soham, our homes are designed to stay within reach for the people who live and work here — not just for the first buyers, but for generations to come.
Myth 3: “CLTs are run by councils or housing associations.”
Truth: CLTs are run by local people, for local people.
While Thrift Soham works closely with Soham Town Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, and CLT East, the Trust itself is independent.
Our board of volunteer trustees — all with strong local ties and professional expertise — is elected by members of the community.
That means decisions are made by the people who understand Soham best: its residents.
Myth 4: “Community Land Trusts only build houses.”
Truth: CLTs can manage all kinds of community assets.
While housing is a big focus, CLTs also protect and develop workspaces, green areas, shops, and local amenities.
The idea is simple: to preserve and improve the places that matter most to local people.
In Soham, our vision goes beyond homes — it’s about creating vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods with opportunities for everyone.
Myth 5: “One CLT can’t make much of a difference.”
Truth: Every CLT makes a lasting local impact — and Thrift Soham is proof of that.
Even small-scale developments can change lives by providing secure, affordable housing and by keeping community assets in local hands.
Each project builds trust, resilience, and pride — showing that when people come together with a shared vision, real change happens.
Thrift Soham’s work is part of a growing national movement, with hundreds of CLTs across the UK proving that community-led development works.
The Bigger Picture
Community Land Trusts aren’t about building faster or bigger — they’re about building better and fairer.
They give communities control over their future, protect land from speculation, and make sure that what’s built here truly benefits the people who live here.
At Thrift Soham, our mission is clear:
to make Soham a place where everyone has access to a secure, sustainable, and affordable home — not just for today, but for the generations that follow.
Get Involved
Want to be part of Soham’s future?
Join us in shaping a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable community.
📩 Register your interest or contact us at clerk@thriftsoham.org.uk to learn how you can become a member, volunteer, or partner with Thrift Soham CLT.
Together, we can keep Soham’s land and homes where they belong — in local hands.
