Thousands of homeless individuals found shelter through this program
The UK is currently grappling with a growing homelessness crisis and a chronic shortage of affordable homes. Amidst this challenging landscape, the Homefinder UK initiative stands as a beacon of hope for many, offering a viable solution to the housing crisis.
Established in 2013 by Home Connections, a London-based company, Homefinder UK is a national housing mobility scheme designed to help individuals, including homeless people and domestic abuse survivors, find permanent and affordable housing. The programme operates through choice-based lettings systems, enabling applicants to view available properties and express interest, thereby facilitating greater choice and mobility within affordable housing.
The scheme connects local authorities and registered social landlords via nomination agreements, allowing applicants to be nominated for vacancies in councils’ and housing associations’ stock. This national approach is crucial in increasing housing choices and opportunities for vulnerable populations, making vacancies more visible and accessible across multiple authorities rather than limiting applicants to local areas.
Homefinder UK's impact is significant. In the 2024/25 financial year, the initiative helped over 1,800 people and families move into a more stable home, including dozens of rough sleepers and 230 domestic abuse survivors. A recent report published by Homefinder UK highlights these statistics, underscoring the scheme's success in assisting individuals and families in need.
The programme's impact extends beyond providing a roof over heads. By reducing barriers to permanent housing, it contributes to better social outcomes, helping reduce homelessness duration and enabling stable housing for those fleeing domestic abuse or with urgent needs. It also supports local authorities in fulfilling legal requirements under the Housing Act, facilitating allocations that meet the needs of applicants with high housing priority such as homelessness.
Sharon Roberts, head of lettings at Southern Housing and chair of Homefinder UK, emphasises the importance of a safe, secure home. "A safe, secure home is the foundation for education, employment, and recovery," she says.
The Homefinder UK programme has also proven to be cost-effective. In 2024/25 alone, it saved local authorities over £3m in temporary accommodation costs. This financial benefit, coupled with the social and humanitarian impact, underscores the programme's importance in addressing the UK's housing crisis.
Despite the progress made, the UK's housing crisis remains a pressing issue. The Homefinder UK initiative, however, continues to be a vital tool in the fight against homelessness and the struggle for affordable housing. Its continued success is a testament to the dedication of its team, local authority and housing association partners, and the individuals who trust the program.
References:
- Homefinder UK (2025). Homefinder UK Impact Report 2024/25
- Government Digital Service (2023). Choice-Based Lettings: A Guide for Local Authorities
- The Homefinder UK initiative, a national housing mobility scheme, has successfully connected dozens of rough sleepers and 230 domestic abuse survivors to permanent and affordable homes, demonstrating its significance in the health-and-wellness space.
- By reducing barriers to permanent housing, Homefinder UK contributes to better social outcomes, such as reducing homelessness duration and supporting stable housing for those with urgent needs, therefore intersecting with various aspects of science, including health and wellness.
