London council buys another 193 ex-council homes to combat homelessness

A London council has announced plans to purchase 193 former council homes as it tries to combat a growing homelessness problem in the borough.

Islington Council says the move brings it closer to its target of securing 907 residences by March 2026 – this is one of the most ambitious buy-back schemes in England.

These newly acquired properties will provide secure housing options for homeless families in Islington, as well as individuals displaced from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

The portfolio will feature a variety of one- to four-bedroom units suitable for both single occupants and larger households.

Homes provide security

The council’s executive member for homes and neighbourhoods, Cllr John Woolf, said: “There are currently 1,737 homeless households living in temporary accommodation in Islington – the highest figure since records began.

“These homes will provide security for people experiencing homelessness or those who have fled conflict, giving them the stability they need to start rebuilding their lives locally.”

He added: “More people will have access to good-quality temporary accommodation in Islington when they need it most.

“I’m proud that we are leading the way with our buy-back programme and doing everything we can to increase the number of council homes in the borough.”

Sold under RtB

Islington says that the homes were originally council-owned but had been sold off under the national Right to Buy initiative.

The funding for these acquisitions includes support from the Greater London Authority (GLA) for 150 homes.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is helping to buy 33, and an extra 10 homes are being financed through the council’s own Right-to-Buy revenues.

Over the last four years, 552 homes have been reclaimed, with 307 of those transactions completed in just the last year.