Homelessness In The UK

The UK’s Housing Crisis: A Call to Action for Property Owners

The United Kingdom is facing a profound housing crisis, with homelessness and social housing waiting lists reaching alarming levels. As property owners, you have a unique opportunity to be part of the solution, providing safe and stable homes for those in need.

Rising Homelessness and Overwhelmed Waiting Lists

Recent statistics paint a stark picture:

• Homelessness: As of 2025, the homelessness situation in the UK is critical:

• There were 131,140 households living in temporary accommodation in England at the end of March 2025, the highest number on record, with 169,050 children among them. This number rose 12% from the previous year.

• Official rough sleeping figures showed around 13,231 people sleeping rough in London during 2024-25, a 10% increase from the previous year.

• The total number of people experiencing homelessness across the UK includes hidden homelessness such as sofa surfing and squatting, making exact counts higher.

• Social Housing Waiting Lists:

Over 1.3 million households were on waiting lists for social housing in England in 2024, a 10% increase over the previous year.

• Many local authorities report severe shortages, with some having waiting times exceeding 100 years for a family-sized social home.

• London alone had about 336,366 households on social housing waiting lists in 2024, the highest in a decade.

• Families face extremely long waits, often growing older before securing suitable housing, with social rents being much more affordable than private rents.

The Impact on Local Communities

The shortage of affordable housing has led to:

• Extended Wait Times: In some areas, families face waits of up to 25 years for council housing. 

• Increased Use of Temporary Accommodation: As of June 30, 2024, 123,100 households were living in temporary accommodations, a 16.3% increase from the previous year. 

• Escalating Costs: Councils’ spending on emergency housing surged by nearly 80% from £411 million in 2022-23 to £732 million in 2023-24, straining local government finances. 

Your Role in Addressing the Crisis

Property owners can play a pivotal role in alleviating this crisis:

• Leasing Properties: By leasing your properties to organizations like Homes on the Go, you provide immediate housing solutions for families in need. This partnership ensures guaranteed rent and professional property management.

• Selling Properties: If you own underutilized or vacant properties, selling them for social housing purposes can help increase the availability of affordable homes.

• Property Conversion: Owners of commercial properties with potential for residential conversion can collaborate to transform these spaces into much-needed housing units.

Benefits of Partnering with Homes on the Go

• Guaranteed Income: Secure a stable and reliable income stream through leasing agreements.

• Professional Management: Enjoy hassle-free property management, including maintenance and tenant relations.

• Community Impact: Contribute to reducing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations in your community.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The housing crisis requires collective action. By partnering with Homes on the Go, you can turn your property investments into catalysts for positive change. Together, we can provide safe, affordable housing for those who need it most.

Contact Us Today

If you’re a property owner interested in leasing, selling, or converting your property for social housing purposes, reach out to us at Homes on the Go. Let’s work together to transform lives and strengthen our communities.

Note: Statistics and information are based on the latest available data as of March 2025.