With this latest phase, the council is on track to deliver a total of 907 homes by March 2026, making it one of the most ambitious buy-back programmes in the country
Islington Council is taking another significant step in tackling the borough’s growing homelessness crisis by acquiring an additional 193 former council homes. With this latest phase, the council is on track to deliver a total of 907 homes by March 2026, making it one of the most ambitious buy-back programmes in the country.
The homes, previously sold under the national Right to Buy scheme, will be used to provide secure and stable accommodation for homeless households in Islington as well as those forced to leave Afghanistan and Ukraine. The properties will vary in size, ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses, ensuring a mix that can support individuals and families in need.
To fund the initiative, the council has secured financial support from multiple sources. This includes 150 homes purchased with funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA), 33 homes financed through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), and an additional 10 properties acquired using the council’s own Right to Buy receipts.
Over the past four years, Islington Council has already purchased 552 former council homes, with 307 acquired in the last year alone. The commitment to reclaiming these homes reflects the council’s determination to provide more permanent housing solutions for those struggling with homelessness.
Councillor John Woolf, Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, highlighted the urgency of the issue: “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. 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.”
The impact of the programme is already being felt by residents such as Abdul Basit Bahrami, who moved into a council buy-back home after fleeing Afghanistan. “Moving into a council buy-back home changed my life,” he said. “Having a safe and secure place to live gave me the stability I needed to rebuild. I was able to continue studying for my PhD, something I once thought impossible. Being close to my two brothers has made a huge difference—it’s meant our family could stay connected and support each other. This home has also given me the chance to raise my own family in a safe and welcoming community.”
The council’s commitment to increasing its housing stock comes amid a severe housing crisis, with demand for social housing far outstripping supply. The programme will not only provide much-needed homes for those facing homelessness but also help to stabilise the rental market in Islington, where rising private rents continue to put pressure on low-income families.
As the council moves forward with its ambitious plan, it remains focused on ensuring that these homes are integrated into the community and provide long-term housing solutions. The buy-back programme, along with other housing initiatives, reinforces Islington’s commitment to creating a fairer borough where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.
By March 2026, the council aims to have purchased a total of 907 former Right to Buy properties, significantly increasing the number of homes available to those in urgent need. With homelessness at record levels, Islington’s proactive approach demonstrates a clear commitment to addressing the crisis and providing lasting solutions for the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
