The "founding" meeting of Tamar Housing Society took place in late 1966.
Initially Tamar built co-ownership flats and three schemes were developed by 1974. As Housing Acts in the 1970s brought more government funding to housing associations, Tamar was able to develop further properties.

Tamar now owns and manages about 500 properties in Plymouth and its travel to work area and also manages schemes for other landlords in the locality. Tamar runs a registered care home, Stepping Stones, which provides semi-independent accommodation for 15 residents with physical disabilities. In 2006 Tamar completed the development of 50 new homes including several for shared ownership and is currently planning to develop 120 new homes over the next 5 years.

Tamar currently employe 35 staff (14 office based and 21 at Stepping Stones). In 2007 Tamar was awarded the Investors in People accreditation.