The UK’s housing sector leaders have sent a letter to housing minister Matthew Pennycook, urging the government to act on the UK’s housing crisis. Across the UK, there are over 300,000 long‑term empty homes that have remained vacant for more than six months. Housing sector leaders are calling for a national strategy to bring these empty properties back into use, citing a record rise in the number of people living in temporary accommodation and waiting for social housing.
The UK’s housing crisis
Currently, there are 1.3 million households in England on a waiting list for social housing, which has risen by 10% in the last two years. While the number of people in temporary accommodation has risen to over 380,000.
Since 2024, Labour’s manifesto promised to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029. Building new homes is one way to increase housing supply and improve affordability. However, bringing long‑term empty properties back into use can be a sustainable solution to boost the housing market and revitalise neighbourhoods. Empty homes often lead to complaints due to overgrown gardens, leaks, pests or collapsed roofs impacting neighbours. Addressing these empty homes quickly can accommodate families and relief pressure on local authorities.
Recommended strategy
The open letter reviewed by the BBC, outlines several recommendations for establishing a national strategy on empty homes, including:
- Providing local councils funding and authority to investigate and act on long-term empty homes complaints.
- Implementing national initiatives, such as a loan scheme, a national acquisition fund and enforcement funds.
- Replacing the New Homes Bonus system.
- Ringfencing Council Tax Premium revenue.
- Reducing stamp duty for purchasers who use properties to meet local demand for social housing and pathways out of temporary accommodation.
The demand to bring back empty homes
One of the quickest and most sustainable solutions is to review existing buildings across the UK and identify empty properties. Long‑term prevention strategies can significantly reduce the number of empty homes and help ensure more families and vulnerable individuals have access to suitable housing.
How Blanchards can help
Blanchards specialises in tracing property owners and locating living heirs of empty properties throughout England and Wales. By identifying and locating the heirs of deceased property owners, we can get the empty property back on the market. We offer property management services to secure and maintain the empty home until the completion of sale. We offer this service at no cost to members of the public sector.
Final thoughts
Bringing these empty properties back into use will help address the housing crisis and make a positive difference to communities. The government is expected to respond to housing sector leaders and review the recommended strategy to return empty homes to use.
If you have noticed an empty property, or you are a local authority member needing assistance tracing property owners or next of kin, contact us today.
