Third runway a step closer as Heathrow starts buying houses The airport has also reopened its property hardship scheme which it uses to buy homes from owners who are otherwise unable to sell 9 May 2021 • 7:00am Heathrow has resumed buying houses close to its proposed third runway as it comes under pressure from its biggest investor to press on with the controversial expansion. The airport reopened a property hardship scheme this month through which it buys homes from owners who are otherwise unable to sell them due to the prospect of a third runway. Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial, Heathrow’s biggest shareholder, has previously hinted that it could sell its stake if it cannot increase its returns. A third runway is viewed as a crucial part of restoring Heathrow’s financial performance in the longer term.