Image: Istock
Homefinder UK
How the relocation scheme has helped 1,800 people and families into safe, long-term housing
INNOVATION & IMPROVEMENT
Ninesh Muthiah
Founder and CEO, Home Connections
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Issue 80 | October 2025
Homefinder UK is the national housing mobility scheme run by Home Connections. Our recently released 2024/25 Impact Report, showcased the scale and significance of the work we have been doing to tackle the UK’s housing crisis.
Amid record-breaking waiting lists and a chronic shortage of affordable homes, Homefinder UK has helped more than 1,800 people and families relocate to safe, long-term housing – including more than 230 survivors of domestic abuse and dozens of rough sleepers.
How it works
We know a safe, secure home is the foundation for everything else – from education to employment and recovery.
The scheme works by helping those prepared to move to a new location by matching them to affordable and available housing in different parts of the country. For those who take up this option it can offer a route to permanent and suitable housing.
Our report also shows that Homefinder UK not only provides direct relocation support, but also delivers substantial cost savings to local authorities.
As well as positively impacting thousands of lives, in 2024/25 alone, the scheme saved councils more than £3 million in temporary accommodation costs, while maintaining a tenancy failure rate of less than 1% – significantly lower than national averages.
Life-changing support
With 24,000+ calls handled yearly by its team and a growing network of more than 100 housing partners across the country, Homefinder UK offers wraparound case management, relocation funding, and tailored support for a diverse range of vulnerable people – including refugees, people with accessibility needs, and those fleeing unsafe living conditions.
“You didn’t just give me a place to live; you gave me a chance to rebuild my life,” said one applicant, who was rough sleeping in Bristol before moving to permanent social housing in Cheshire.
This impact is only possible because of our dedicated team, our local authority and housing association partners, and the individuals who trust us with their journey.
“You didn’t just give me a place to live; you gave me a chance to rebuild my life.”
people have relocated to safe, long-term housing with Homefinder UK, including 230 survivors of domestic abuse and dozens of rough sleepers
calls handled every year by Homefinder UK's team and a network of more than 100 housing partners across the country
of properties are now affordable using Local Housing Allowance rates and most of these are located in lower demand areas of the country
Looking ahead
As the housing crisis deepens, the report outlines our future commitments for Homefinder UK, including:
- expanding local housing options for people wanting to stay near family or work
- doubling relocation support funding through funding partnerships
- strengthening accessible housing pathways for disabled applicants
- increasing employment, training and wellbeing support for rehoused applicants
Just 2.5% of private properties are now affordable (using Local Housing Allowance rates as the measure of affordability) and most of these are located in lower demand areas of the country. Our scheme is calling for greater urgency from the government to fulfil its promises to build social housing and to provide more financial support for relocation schemes.
