Our history
Our roots date back nearly 60 years, and we've been shaping some of the most exciting, diverse and dynamic regions in the country ever since.
1963
Quadrant Housing Association is founded.
The organisation is named Quadrant Housing Association (Quadrant) to reflect the naval history of its base in the borough of Greenwich.
2 Wrottesley Road, Woolwich, becomes Quadrant’s first property.
The initial investment sees 32 people each buy shares worth £2. That £64 will become a £12 billion social business by 2023.
1970
Quadrant opens its first office on Deptford High Street. During the early years, the business had been run from a church crypt and an empty flat.
1972
Quadrant launches an advice centre beneath its office on Deptford High Street to provide support for people that it cannot house.
1973
Quadrant joins forces with another association, London Housing Trust. The newly merged organisation is named London & Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q).
1974
The 1974 Housing Act gives L&Q the security and money it needs to grow into a major landlord.
The Queen and Prince Philip visit L&Q’s office in Deptford.
1983
L&Q has more than 8,000 homes that house around 20,000 people.
1988
L&Q’s 25th anniversary.
L&Q has more than 10,000 homes under management.
L&Q announces a major restructuring, decentralising to several regional offices to provide a more local service.
1989
L&Q moves into low-cost home ownership by creating a new subsidiary, Tower Homes.
1998
L&Q launches Bexley Housing Association as an independent body after a successful ballot of residents.
2000
L&Q gains a Chartermark award in recognition of its excellent customer service.
2003
L&Q staff vote the group into The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies list. A feat to be repeated every year for the rest of the decade.
2008
David Montague becomes L&Q Chief Executive.
2009
L&Q overhauls its image and unifies its subsidiaries within the group.
2011
L&Q launches the L&Q Foundation to help fund local projects that will improve people's lives and create opportunities in their communities.
2012
Kings Hall Mews in Lewisham becomes L&Q’s head office.
2013
L&Q’s 50th anniversary.
2015
L&Q is named one of Stonewall’s top 100 employers for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans staff.
2016
L&Q and East Thames Housing Group merge to create the largest provider of new affordable homes in the country.
2017
L&Q launches the L&Q Academy and L&Q Living to help support residents even more effectively.
2018
L&Q owns and manages more than 90,000 homes across London and the South East - making it the largest landlord in the capital and one of the largest residential property developers.
West Ham Lane in Stratford becomes L&Q’s new head office.
2019
L&Q completes the acquisition of Trafford Housing Trust to address the need for more affordable housing in the North West of England and investment in local communities.
2021
L&Q owns and manages more than 105,000 homes that house around 250,000 people.
Fiona-Fletcher-Smith becomes L&Q Group Chief Executive. View Fiona’s bio.
L&Q launches a new five-year corporate strategy. Read our corporate strategy: Future Shape (PDF).