A Romanian-born property entrepreneur who arrived in the UK with nothing has built a thriving business providing homes for families in need, but says she is now being held back by council bureaucracy that is preventing vulnerable adults from moving into ready-to-let housing.
Iolanda Petronela Morari, founder of BYL Support CIC, says her supported accommodation company has several fully compliant homes ready for immediate use, but delays in local authority approval have stalled progress.
“We’ve done everything right. The homes are safe, compliant, and ready,” says Morari. “I’m not waiting for funding, I’m ready to help people now. But bureaucracy is keeping doors closed while people are desperate for housing.”
From Immigrant Beginnings to Housing Leader
Originally from Romania, Morari moved to the UK, determined to build a better life. She began working in hospitality and events,then launched her lettings firm Blueberry Yolanda Letting Ltd, which now provides emergency accommodation for families across multiple boroughs.
Through that experience, she saw the challenges faced by people trapped in temporary housing and decided to create a model that combines private sector professionalism with genuine social purpose.
“It felt like a natural progression,” she explains. “There’s so much more value in supported accommodation. It’s not just a roof, it’s about helping people learn independence, rebuild confidence, and feel part of society again.”
Ready to Deliver but Red Tape Persists
Morari’s company has invested in multiple properties that meet every required safety and licensing standard, from gas and electrical checks to fire compliance, safeguarding, and insurance. Broadband is installed, furniture is in place, and her team is trained and ready to welcome residents.
Despite this, Brent Council has paused the verification process,leaving homes empty while demand for supported accommodation continues to grow.
“Everything was ready to go,” she says. “Then the process was paused for no clear reason. Every week of delay means more people are left without a home, and that’s not fair.”
Entrepreneurship with Purpose
Morari’s approach reflects a growing trend among UK property entrepreneurs who are applying business acumen to social problems. Her model provides guaranteed rent for landlords while creating safe, structured environments for residents rebuilding their independence.
Her success, she says, was fuelled by the property education and mentorship she received through the Property Investors Academy, founded by UK entrepreneur Samuel Leeds.
“Samuel’s mentorship taught me to see myself not just as a landlord but as a leader,” Morari says. “He helped me understand how to build something sustainable that genuinely changes lives.”
Leeds, a multimillionaire investor who has trained thousands of entrepreneurs, says Iolanda’s journey from immigrant worker to social housing provider represents the kind of transformation Britain needs more of.
“Iolanda is proof that when determination meets the right education, amazing things happen,” says Leeds. “She’s built her success from the ground up, and now she’s using it to serve her community. That’s true entrepreneurship.”
Looking Ahead
Morari plans to expand BYL Support CIC into a nationwide network of supported homes, creating local employment and reducing the strain on council waiting lists.
“I’ve built this with heart and purpose,” she says. “We just need councils to open the door. Give us a fair chance and we’ll show what community-led housing can achieve.”
