Empty homes have become a growing concern for communities across the UK. In England, there are approximately 998,000 empty homes. This includes more than 300,000 long-term empty properties that have been left unoccupied for over six months. Councils are already facing challenges with limited housing stock and affordability. With additional issues including the rise of unoccupied shops and deteriorating hotels are creating further problems for local communities.
So, what powers do the councils have? Councils are addressing empty properties through council tax premiums, empty homes strategies and compulsory purchase powers. However, one of the quickest ways to increase housing supply and improve local neighbourhoods is to bring empty homes back into use.
Why are there empty properties?
There are several reasons why properties are left empty. In some cases, owners may have passed away without any known next of kin or beneficiaries. Some councils may not have the resources to trace property owners or identify and locate the next of kin.
Properties can also become stuck in probate due to administrative delays or family disputes. This can prolong the process of distributing assets and leave a house unoccupied for a long period of time.
In other cases, people may inherit a property but lack the finances to carry out renovations. If a property has been left empty for a long time and has deteriorated, the property can be become unsafe to live in.
Why are empty properties an issue?
Empty homes can affect communities in different ways. When a home sits empty, properties can fall into disrepair and attract issues such as neighbourhood decline, vandalism or anti-social behaviour. As a result, this can affect how safe people feel surrounding the property.
What is an Empty Homes Strategy
An empty homes strategy is a local council plan to bring long-term empty properties back into use. These strategies can differ from one council to another. Each local authority manages empty homes in its area according to its housing needs, available funding and resources. However, they all share the same aim to address empty homes that negatively affect their community.
What powers do councils have over empty properties?
There are different approaches that can help bring empty homes back into use. This can include identifying property owners, offer guidance or even intervene under certain circumstances.
Empty homes premium: A property is considered a long-term empty home when it has been unoccupied for longer than six months. Local authorities and councils use Empty Homes Premium to apply financial pressure to empty property owners.
Owners of empty properties can face increases in council tax if the home remains empty for an extended period. Homes left unoccupied for between one and five years may be subject to a 100% premium. Properties that have been empty for five to ten years can increase to a 200% premium, while those empty for more than ten years may be charged a 300% premium.
Empty dwelling management orders (EDMO): Under the Housing Act 2004, local councils in England and Wales have the power to take over the management of long-term empty properties.
Compulsory purchase orders (CPO): Local authorities can serve a CPO on empty properties without the owner’s consent. For example, this may occur when they are unable to reach an agreement with the owner or when the owner cannot be traced. Such action is considered a last resort and is only pursued after attempts to negotiate with the owner have been unsuccessful.
Why should councils use Blanchards?
Blanchards specialises in tracing property owners and locating next of kin. In cases where a property owner has passed away, we identify and locate the heirs. We can take on the burden of dealing with empty property by providing an accurate valuation and putting the property on the market or auction. We offer this service free of charge to the public sector.
Final thoughts
Bringing empty homes back into use is one of the fastest ways councils can increase housing supply and reduce the number of long-term empty properties. By working with specialists such as Blanchards, councils can identify property owners next of kin and get properties back into use. Find out more about how we work with councils to help tackle the issue of empty homes.
