Housing Minister Grant Shapps and Economic Secretary Chloe Smith have published a consultation seeking views on encouraging investment through Real Estate Investment Trusts - vehicles for those wishing to invest in property.
The current Finance Bill will introduce a series of measures to support entry to and investment in REITs.
And the new consultation will look at changes to REITs to support them in the social housing sector.
The consultation follows the successful Affordable Homes Programme, which levered in private funding from providers of almost £10 billion.
This is set to exceed expectations and deliver 170,000 homes - 20,000 more than originally thought.
Housing Minister Grant Shapps said: "I am determined that we do all we can to get Britain building, and these reforms will help build more affordable homes, boost investment in housing and increase choice for tenants.
"That's why we're launching today's consultation, to see how we can best break down the barriers that prevents private investment in social housing - with the turnover from housing associations now at over £12 billion this should be seen as a sound and stable investment to those looking for a long-term return."
Shapps also announced that three companies - Orchard and Shipman, Shanley, and Pinnacle Spaces - have already signed up to become commercial providers of social housing.
Perry Lloyd, chief executive of the Pinnacle Regeneration Group, said: "We are extremely excited about this new phase in Pinnacle's life as a leading provider of social housing solutions.
“We are working with the Government and its Agencies to overcome barriers posed by current constraints in traditional public financing and delivery routes to provide new private funding and contribute to much needed affordable housing supply."
Mike Leonard, Director of the MMA said, "We are delighted with Grant Shapps continued support for our campaign to Get Britain Building.
"We should of course explore every avenue including private funding but Government must ensure it meets its obligation to fund a major social housing program as a matter of urgency.
"We need 25000 social houses to be built now to meet the growing house crisis and get Britain back to work and economic growth."
