Toby Wilde, founder of Oparo Social, joins Adam Hinds to discuss how a data-led investment model is delivering long-term supported housing that serves residents, investors and public services alike.

Named Social Impact Investor of the Year 2024 at the UK Finance Awards by SME News, Oparo Social operates as a dedicated brand within Oparo Group, the UK’s first algorithm-led real estate investment company. The Group’s proprietary technology identifies undervalued or overlooked real estate assets. Oparo Social then partners with housing associations and local authorities to convert those assets into stable, well-managed homes for people facing homelessness, domestic abuse, addiction recovery or neurodiversity.

To date, Oparo Social has delivered more than 135 supported homes. These schemes are structured through long-term Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI) leases aligned with Local Housing Allowance. The company has also secured institutional funding to deliver £500 million of housing, alongside mandates for hundreds more supported accommodation places.

This episode explores how the model has been built to scale. It covers the use of repeatable delivery, consistent design standards and remote asset management. It also explains why psychologically informed design and operational efficiency are central to improving outcomes. Toby reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, including lessons from PropTech, early missteps, and the values that continue to shape how Oparo operates.

About Toby Wilde and Oparo

Toby Wilde is the founder of Oparo Group, Oparo Social and a founding partner of Sprift.com. He comes from the Milne family, known for delivering thousands of homes across the Thames Valley, particularly in supported, sheltered and retirement living. His family also founded one of the UK’s first regulated real estate funds under the 1980s BES scheme.

Toby began his career in development and consultancy before helping build Sprift into one of the UK’s most widely used property data platforms. In 2019, he launched Oparo Group to apply data and technology to real estate investment. Oparo Social is the part of the business focused on supported housing, using the Group’s infrastructure to source, deliver and manage homes across the UK. Toby is a regular speaker on PropTech and social investment, and has volunteered with Ruskin Mill Trust and the Sophie Hayes Foundation.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Toby Wilde and Oparo Group
01:27 – Toby’s journey into real estate
05:33 – Career pathway and lessons from PropTech
12:09 – The origins and mission of Oparo Social
16:42 – How data and tech are applied to supported housing
20:33 – Building infrastructure to manage distributed assets
24:23 – Enhancing resident experience through design and remote monitoring
29:09 – Designing for psychological wellbeing and stability
32:43 – Balancing profit, purpose and public-sector value
37:40 – The importance of resilience, character and long-term thinking
40:55 – Why connection and community are essential to impact

Why This Episode Matters

With local authorities under pressure and supported housing in short supply, this episode offers a practical look at how private-sector models can contribute to public outcomes. Oparo Social’s approach shows that investor-backed housing can align with social needs without compromising on quality, consistency or returns.

Hello, hello, hello! In this episode of The ESG in Property Podcast, Adam Hinds and Jordan Relfe, co-founders of LifeProven, speak with visionary brothers Tom and James Teatum, founders of Noiascape—a London-based developer and operator dedicated to redefining modern urban living. Noiascape thoughtfully integrates private spaces with communal areas to foster meaningful social interactions, resulting in significant demand and waiting lists of up to two years for their developments. Listen in as we discuss how Noiascape is reshaping residential spaces, promoting genuine community connections, and thoughtfully responding to the changing lifestyles of urban dwellers.

Episode Overview:

Tom and James Teatum share their distinctive philosophy of urban living, highlighting the importance of blending personal spaces with communal interaction to build vibrant communities. Drawing from their manifesto and practical experience, they explain how thoughtful architectural design and operational management are central to their developments' success.

About Our Guests:

Tom and James Teatum transitioned from careers in architecture to becoming developers and operators after recognising the limitations of conventional residential offerings. Influenced by their family's construction background and inspired by renowned architects like Richard Rogers, they founded Noiascape with a clear ambition: to create thoughtfully designed living environments that facilitate authentic connections and cultural experiences. Their approach prioritises design excellence and meaningful operational management, setting a new standard for urban residential spaces.

Key Topics Explored:

• Philosophy of Space and Connection: Tom and James share their belief that cities thrive on interactions happening in the spaces between buildings. They discuss Noiascape's practical strategies to encourage spontaneous social engagement and stronger community ties.

• Enabling Cultural Expression: Discover how Noiascape actively integrates cultural activities into their developments, supporting emerging artists and enriching community life through events, exhibitions, and creative opportunities.

• Environmental Approach in Practice: The conversation covers Noiascape's practical environmental strategies, including high-performance insulation, renewable energy systems, and intelligent technology designed to reduce energy consumption through everyday living rituals.

• Operational Excellence and Future Vision: Tom and James discuss how strategic investment in operational experiences directly impacts resident satisfaction and retention. They outline their plans to scale their innovative approach beyond London, emphasising the importance of collaboration with investment partners who align with their values and vision for community-focused urban development.

Join Us & Learn More:

Tune in to discover Noiascape’s distinctive model and their thoughtful response to contemporary urban housing challenges. Essential listening for anyone interested in innovative real estate development, community-building strategies, and the future of city living. Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of the vision behind Noiascape.