The milestone property, located in Coatbridge, was previously owned by a private landlord. Following the purchase, the tenant, Sharon Aitchison, who has lived in the property for 11 years, has remained in the home as a council tenant. The council now also owns the entire block, with the purchase of last privately owned property in the building, making repairs and improvements easier to carry out.

The council has significantly invested in the home since its purchase, with new windows, doors, kitchen and bathroom being fitted.

Sharon Aitchison 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.”

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 OMPS, launched in 2013, has been a vital tool for North Lanarkshire Council’s housing programme, purchasing homes from private landlords, long-term empty properties, and former council with 126 properties acquired in 2023/24.