A compact studio room with a kitchenette, washing machine, microwave, sink, blue armchair, and a bed visible through an open doorway.

Independent Living Programme

Our solution to breaking the cycle of young homelessness for good.

Our innovative solution to end youth homelessness for good. The Independent Living Programme provides young people with a home to call their own.

Independent Living is Centrepoint's pioneering housing model that helps young people move on from homelessness and into stable, affordable homes of their own.

Our Independent Living Programme provides purpose-built, high-quality homes where rent is capped at a third of a young person’s income. This gives them the chance to save money, build skills, progress in their careers and prepare for fully independent living. For many, it’s the difference between staying in temporary accommodation and finally having a secure place to build a future.

Ways you can support the programme

Each year, thousands of young people are ready to leave homelessness behind - ready to work, live independently and contribute to society. But just as they prepare to move forward, the housing market shuts the door.

Private rents are beyond entry-level salaries, social housing is scarce, and only 1 in 5 landlords will rent to someone leaving supported accommodation.

For many young people, this means putting their lives on hold just as they’re ready to move forward.

As a result, many remain in supported accommodation longer than needed, delaying their independence and reducing the number of places available for those in crisis.

Independent Living provides “stepping stone” homes - affordable, self-contained studios where young people can live independently for two to five years while working, saving and preparing for permanent housing.

Our goal is to create 300 homes in London and Manchester, and we have already delivered 50 homes. Delivering these ambitious plans requires £50 million of investment.

But this programme isn’t just about building homes - it’s about proving a model that can reshape how the housing system supports young people leaving homelessness.

We are working with local authorities, housing associations and developers to make stepping-stone housing a recognised and standard part of the pathway out of homelessness nationwide.

A modern three‑storey housing block with open walkways and metal railings surrounding a central courtyard filled with plants and benches.

How it works

Each home is a fully furnished, self-contained studio (26m²) with its own bathroom and kitchenette. Tenancies run for two years and can be extended up to five where needed. Rent is linked to income.

We aim never to charge more than one-third of a young person's gross salary. For example, a young person earning £18,000 in London would typically pay around £500 per month. The average private rent in London in 2026 was £2,078, and £1,067 in the North West.

 

During their stay

Young people in independent living accomodation are supported to:

  • sustain employment
  • develop budgeting and tenancy skills
  • build savings
  • plan their next long-term housing move

For many, it’s the first time they’ve had a secure place to call their own.

Prince William is laughing in conversation with Centrepoint residents and staff.

Prince William opening Reuben House

Our patron Prince William, officially opening Centrepoint’s Reuben House development in Peckham, South London.In June 2023, our Patron HRH The Prince of Wales officially opened our first Independent Living property - Reuben House in Peckham, South London.

Reuben House provides 33 self-contained studio homes and has become the blueprint for our national model.

Hear from former resident Andrew

“It was a stepping stone to the next stage of independence. I was able to save money for the first time and plan my future.”

Our Progress

Independent Living homes are delivered through:

  • new build and modular construction
  • refurbishment of under-used properties
  • partnerships with housing providers and developers

We have delivered 50 homes to date and currently have 294 homes in development across eight sites in London and Manchester.

New schemes in Lambeth, Hackney, Harrow, Waltham Forest, Croydon and Greater Manchester are due to open between 2026 and 2027.

Impact

Proven results:
  • Icon of a house
    89 %

    of residents moved on with both a job and permanent housing

  • Icon - coins piled up
    £ 3.04m

    in economic benefits for every £1 spent (HM Treasury: High Value)

  • Lightbulb icon
    £ 50m+

    saved to local authorities over 20 years

Young people in the programme:

  • stay in employment and progress their careers
  • build savings for their next home
  • develop tenancy and budgeting skills
  • move into long-term housing and avoid returning to homelessness

Behind each figure is a young person gaining stability and confidence.

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Ways you can support the programme

We're looking for partners to help us achieve our ambitious aims. There are many ways in which you can get involved in the programme and help us break the cycle of young homelessness for good.

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Donate now

We need to raise £50 million to achieve our goal - you can help us reach that total if you donate today.

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Apply to be a resident

If you're 18-25 years old and working full time or on an apprenticeship you may be eligible for high quality affordable housing.