Long‑term empty home transformed to give local family a fresh start

Published: 12 March 2026 Row of semi-detached houses on residential street with parked cars

Redbridge Council’s Purchase and Repair programme has brought a property back into use to provide a secure, comfortable home for a local family,

The home, once vacant, has now been fully refurbished and offered to Mr C, who has lived in Redbridge for nearly 30 years. After spending many years waiting for a larger family property, he said the moment he received the offer “felt like everything was finally falling into place.”

For Mr C, the move has been life‑changing. “Before we came here, we were always being moved around,” he said. “We lived in temporary places, short‑term rentals… it was stressful. I couldn’t buy furniture or decorate because I didn’t know if we’d be told to move again. Here, we finally feel settled.”

He described the stability as transformational: “My life is so much easier now. There’s less stress, more peace. I can come home from work and actually relax. It’s quiet here, it’s safe… we’re grateful to be here.”

Larger family homes are among the hardest council properties to secure in Redbridge, with long waits due to high demand. The average wait time for a 3-bedroom in 2024/25 was 18 years. Bringing empty homes back into use is one of the ways the Council is boosting the supply of these properties.

Councillor Saima Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, visited the property and spoke with Mr C and his family.

She said: “Families like Mr C’s wait far too long for a home that meets their needs, and we are determined to change that. Our Purchase and Repair programme is one of the levers that helps us take empty, under‑used properties and turn them into high‑quality council homes for local people. Hearing directly from Mr C about how much this home has changed things for his family shows the real impact this work has.”

Reflecting on his journey, Mr C added: “It took a long time, but this home has made such a difference. We finally feel like we belong somewhere again.”

The Council will continue expanding the Purchase and Repair programme to return more empty homes to use and create much‑needed homes for families across Redbridge.