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Before it became an independent housing  association, the Waveney & Yare Housing Association was part of William Clowes and Sons (Printers). At that time the management board consisted of directors and managers of the printing company including the Clowes family who owned both organisations. The aim of the printing company in creating the William Clowes Housing Society was to provide good affordable housing to its employees, and this became a particular priority when the London factory  was bombed during the second world war. 

The Association was formally set up as an Industrial and Provident Society in May 1961 as the Clowes Yare Housing Society Limited and the properties were transferred to the Society, a move which secured the Association's future. In March 1975 the name was changed to the Waveney & Yare Housing Association Limited. This reflected the increasing independence of the Association, although the Secretary of the Association remained an employee of the printing company who carried out those duties in addition to his company role. The board of the Association continued to consist of directors and managers of William Clowes Limited. 

Around 1980 the Housing Association further reduced its links and reliance on the printing company by introducing tenant representatives onto the board, and later by inviting independent individuals with a strong local connection to join the board. The printing company still remained involved with the management of the Association with one director being appointed by the company to sit on the board. At this time the majority of tenants continued to be existing or former employees of William Clowes. 

It the late 70's and early 80's in order to clear loans, and due to lower demand for properties at that time, houses were offered for sale to tenants at a discounted rate similar to that offered to council house tenants, and a number of tenants took up the offer. The demand for housing from existing employees continued to fall, and the application criteria was gradually changed to include both children and relatives of existing employees. 

As time progressed this was extended to allow local people to apply, although the points system for allocating properties still favoured those with links to Clowes. With applications from existing employees continuing to fall and from 2014 the printing company no longer providing a board member, in 2015 and 2016 a review was carried out which concluded that there was a need to re-assess the aims of the Association as its original aims no longer applied. The result of this was to remove all criteria with links to Clowes and to introduce a new set of criteria based on applicants personal circumstances with the aim of targeting; young, employed, local families who would most benefit from a long term let at affordable rates.

The Housing Association continues to offer good quality affordable homes to qualifying local people, and is looking at opportunities to gradually expand its housing portfolio to meet continued demand.