A general observation ,RE housing

I have noticed over the last few weeks that we are working more frequently in "aquired properties" ,basically an aquired property is a house/flat that has been purchased by the local authority because the owner can no longer afford to own the house ,do vital maintance ect .Today alone my company has worked on 4 such properties in the same street replacing doors and windows ,next week the houses are getting upgraded bathrooms,kitchens, rewire and new boilers if needed .From what i can gather (but not sure) the former owner stays in the property and becomes a tenant .
Are there any members who know anything about this type of thing as it seems to be on the increase where i live ?