Homelessness has risen sharply in recent years, placing considerable strain on individuals, families, and public resources. In the first quarter of 2025, 131,000 households were living in temporary accommodation in England, 45% higher than five years earlier. Total costs to local authorities rose from £1.8 billion in 2023 to £2.3 billion in 2024, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing councils and the people they serve. 

Alma Economics was commissioned by Resonance, a UK social impact investment company, to assess the financial and non-financial benefits of the Resonance Homelessness Property Funds (RHPF), a fund that acquires and refurbishes properties, then leases them to homelessness charities and housing associations, which in turn, provide homes to households experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

Building on a previous study of ours from 2024, this updated report applies the same methodology to current data and accounts for the planned expansion of Resonance's portfolio from 1,388 properties in 2025 to approximately 3,400 by 2030. 

Between 2025 and 2035, the RHPF is estimated to deliver: 

• £349 million in savings to local authorities 
• £196 million in wider public sector savings through reduced healthcare and service expenditure 
• Over £800 million in wellbeing benefits to residents.  

For every £1 invested, the RHPF is estimated to generate £1.90 in social return on investment annually. The findings show how well-targeted social investment can relieve pressure on public resources while making a real difference to people's lives.

Read the full report here.