The 800th home has been bought under a council open market scheme. 

North Lanarkshire Council's open market purchase scheme involves the local authority buying back previously privately owned properties in the area. 

This milestone property has been the home of Sharon Aitchison for 11 years under a private landlord, and she is remaining there now as a council tenant.

Sharon in her homeSharon in her home (Image: Dominic Cocozza) The council has purchased the entire block of homes and invested in Sharon's home with new windows, doors, kitchen and bathroom being fitted. 

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Sharon said: "I am absolutely delighted with the improvements made since the council took over. It's made a huge positive difference to my life.

"The new windows and kitchen have really transformed the place, and I’m so grateful to be able to continue living here as a council tenant."

(Image: Dominic Cocozza) Councillor Michael McPake, convener of housing, added: "The Open Market Purchase Scheme has been a tremendous success in addressing housing needs in our communities.

"By acquiring privately owned properties like this one, we can help prevent homelessness, provide quality homes, and make a real difference in the lives of residents.

“The purchase of this 800th property highlights the ongoing success of the scheme and our commitment as a council, to do all we can to increase affordable housing supply in our area.

"By purchasing good quality homes on the open market, many of which will be ex-council properties, we can help meet people’s housing requirements and increase local housing supply.

“The purchase of some of these homes also removes homes which have sometimes been considered a blight in local communities as they may have been lying empty or derelict for a considerable period and we then bring them back into proper use.

"The buying of some properties also helps us to us progress common refurbishment works within mixed tenure blocks of flats."

The scheme was launched in 2013 and has involved the council purchasing homes from private landlords, and empty properties, with 126 properties acquired between 2023 and 2024.