The UK housing crisis continues to affect large numbers of people who struggle to secure affordable and suitable accommodation. This shortage is increasing financial pressures and rising levels of homelessness. Despite this, the large number of long-term empty properties across the country is often overlooked.
What causes empty properties
Properties may become neglected for many different reasons, but some of the most common include:
Probate delays: Some people pass away without leaving a will and are considered to have died intestate. In such cases, their estate is distributed to their next of kin in accordance with the laws of intestacy. However, immediate relatives may not be identified or located which can result in assets being left unclaimed or delays in the probate process.
Inheriting the property: With modern living, many people lose contact with relatives and friends. They may move abroad for better living opportunities or lifestyle. When people inherit property or assets overseas, this distance can make it difficult to manage estates in another country, sometimes leaving homes vacant.
Owning multiple properties: Owners with additional properties may leave one unoccupied for extended periods. This can include second homes, or holiday lets which are only used certain periods of the year.
High renovation costs: Some individuals may inherit a property that requires significant repairs. However, they may not have the funds to carry out the necessary work, which can result in the home sitting vacant for long periods.
Would you live next to an empty property?
When properties are left empty this can cause issues for neighbours and the surrounding areas. Many buyers don’t just consider the property itself, but also the street, area and surrounding houses. Empty properties can raise concerns about attracting anti-social behaviour, vandalism, pests and potentially affecting resale value in the long-term.
Current challenges
Local authorities have recognised the growing housing crisis and are seeking ways to address it. Approximately 190,600 new homes were completed in England during 2024 to 2025. However, this level of delivery remains well below what is required to meet demand. Estimates suggest that England needs at least 300,000 new homes each year to keep pace with population growth and affordability pressures. This shortfall has contributed to rising rents, increasing homelessness, and a growing number of families living in temporary accommodation.
What can the council do?
Aside from charging a council tax premium on long‑term empty properties, the council can apply for an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO). This gives the council the power to take control of a property for up to seven years, carry out necessary repairs, and bring it back into use. However, EDMOs are rarely granted, and their use has declined over the years.
How reporting empty properties can help
In England, there are currently over 265,000 long‑term empty properties. These are homes that have been unoccupied for six months or more.
Reporting these properties helps us identify empty homes so we can investigate, contact the property owners, and raise awareness about any issues the property may be causing for neighbours or with the building itself.
We can start an open conversation about the property status to the owner and explore the possibility of bringing it back to market. In some situations, the owner may have passed away without a will, in which case we would identify and contact the next of kin.
Final thoughts
If a property in your area is causing a nuisance or has been inactive for years, please report it. Include the postcode, house number, and full address, and we’ll get in touch!
