Housing is an integrated network of social and economic infrastructure with multiple owners and access points. Improving the overall suitability and provision of housing infrastructure (for example incorporating new typologies to suit changing demographics) is needed to address the central issue of affordability and access for all. SBEnrc social and affordable housing research undertaken since 2014 has investigated key issues for this sector, as defined by government, industry, research and not-for-profit partners. Through this research, aimed at building the evidence base to support policy-making and housing delivery, the complexity of this system has been highlighted. Understanding the inter-relatedness of various aspects of housing provision in a person-centred, place-based policy environment has also been further advanced.