Understanding the UK Housing System: A New Resource for Refugees

Finding a home in the UK can be a complex and often overwhelming process – especially for newly recognised refugees. Many arrive with expectations shaped by misinformation from smugglers, peers, or well-meaning family members. This confusion is often compounded by inconsistent guidance, language barriers, and a lack of accessible resources.

To help address this challenge, we collaborated with the Refugee Council, Greater London Authority (GLA), London Councils, local authorities in Brent, Hackney, and the west London sub-region, and the Home Office, to develop a free, informative video resource.

The short film offers clear, consistent information about the housing journey for refugees – from leaving asylum accommodation to securing a safe, stable home in a suitable community.

It is informed by data and insights from our Outcomes Refugee Services – which highlighted how misinformation was creating unnecessary stress and uncertainty – and has been designed specifically for individuals in asylum hotels, whether awaiting decisions or facing eviction after receiving refugee status. By providing trusted guidance early on, we aim to support both refugees and the professionals working alongside them.

Available in seven languages (Urdu, Tigrinya, Pashto, Kurdish Sorani, Farsi, Arabic, and Amharic), the video is a free resource which we encourage charities, frontline services, local authorities, and others to use when supporting individuals and families to navigate the UK housing system.

A huge thank you to our partners whose collaboration, data, creative thinking, and insights helped shape this important piece of work.

Watch the video here: UK Housing for New Refugees (English)

Alternative languages: Urdu, Tigrinya, Pashto, Kurdish Sorani, Farsi, Arabic, Amharic