Seven Kings

Our first major social housing development is at Seven Kings (Redbridge). We welcomed tenants at the beginning of December 2024 and it is fully occupied with consistently excellent feedback from our residents. The fifty-eight new social homes scheme has been developed in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Redbridge. We have described it as a landmark project and highlights include 75% of the homes being at EPC A.

Talking about the project, John Swinney, chief executive of Major Housing Association, said:

“This is a landmark moment for Major Housing Association: we are extremely pleased that despite the incredibly tough climate for the construction industry, our housing scheme at Seven Kings has been completed, on time and on budget.

“The fifty eight, high quality, social rent homes plays an important part in helping to address local housing need in Redbridge..

“These new homes, built to the highest buildings and sustainability standards, changed the lives of at need local households. The individuals and families moving into the new homes were given a fresh start in genuinely affordable accommodation that also allowed them to maintain their local connections to their community.”

George Haran (70)
Single bed
Retired accountant.

Retired accountant George Haran, 70, is revelling in the convenience and accessibility of his first-floor one-bedroom flat.

George was among the families relocated from another block by Redbridge Council to enable a renovation programme.

He says: “This is so convenient. Very easy access, the bus stop is right in front of the building and the main line is ten minutes walk away. And we have peace and quiet – that’s what I need.”

“There’s a main road next to us and a railway line the other side but with the double-glazing I hardly ever hear anything.”

George has medical conditions which sometimes limit his mobility but, he says, the managers at Munveer House cater for his particular needs – even to the extent of providing an electric shower to help him keep his single-occupancy power bills down.

Quadra Addawe (52)
Two bedroom
NHS Carer
Daughter Nadwa (not present)

For NHS carer Quadra Addawe, 52, and her 14-year-old daughter Nadwa, her new two-bedroomed flat in Munveer House came as a huge relief.

Qadra and Nadwa were eight years in her last accommodation when she was evicted by her landlord, after she complained about the state of the house, fearing for her daughter’s health.

“When the lady from the council called me to say I could have a home here I was so excited”, says Quadra. “This place is so beautiful”

She particularly praises the efficient ventilation system. “I love it”, she smiles. “I turn it on in the morning and the house smells nice all day”.

“The flat is very economical. I don’t get charged too much for electricity – it’s pay as you go so I only pay for what I use”.

Nadwa – studying for GCSEs – is excited to live at Munveer House, she says, because her school is nearby and she can make the journey alone, giving her the independence a teenager desires.

Chloe (30)
Diego (5)
Single mum, student.
Two-bed

Mum Chloe and her energetic five-year-old Diego had to move from Ilford to Slough via Canterbury before they found a permanent home in Seven Kings.

“I’d been bidding since 2019”, says Chloe, 30, who will be completing her degree course shortly. “Everywhere I moved was so far away.

“I grew up in the area so it’s very well-known to me, and my family live nearby. And there are great transport links, the train station is nearby – so everything is very convenient. When I go back to university it’s just one stop on the Elizabeth Line and I’m there.”

Even though Munveer House is sited near busy transport links, Chloe said she appreciated the peace and quiet of a well-insulated flat.

“You can normally hear your neighbours, you can hear everything that’s going on – even the toilet flushing! But here it’s super quiet. It’s beautiful, I have peace of mind, no-one is shouting”.

Chloe, who has a two-bedroom flat, also values the high level of security offered by the fob-controlled lifts and stairwells. “Even if somebody does sneak in, they then can’t go to any of the floors, or into the storage rooms – they can’t do anything”.

Sahak Rahmatullah (21)
Afghan refugee
Single bed

For refugee Sahak Rahmatulla, Munveer House provides the safety and security sorely missing from his previous life.

Forced to flee his native Afghanistan when the Taliban returned to power, the 21-year-old has just been given limited leave to remain in the UK – and has found a safe haven in a single bedroom unit in Seven Kings.

“I was frightened of being persecuted by the Taliban. I feared for my life so I came here and claimed asylum.

“Munveer House is in the only area I’ve known since I moved to the UK and all my friends are nearby.

“Where I come from this is somewhere you dream of living. It’s spacious, very safe, the building is very modern and the neighbours are nice! I’m very happy here!”

Montu Nath (60) – retired tailor
Baby Nath (56) – housewife
Punom Nath (23) – Daughter, apprentice in financial services
Two bedroom on top floor
*Declined family pics*

The Nath family live high on the top floor of Munveer House with stunning views across London.

Retired tailor Montu, 60, along with wife Baby, 57 and their 23-year-old daughter Punom were forced to leave their former home in nearby Ilford when the landlord wanted to sell the property.

“I love the view”, says Punom, an apprentice in financial services. “Particularly at night-time. It’s very nice”.

“Yes, and the fresh air, even though it’s London”, adds Montu.

The family stayed in temporary accommodation for a few month after they were made homeless but say they felt lucky to win their bid for a place at Seven Kings very quickly.