Every empty home has a story. Through unoccupied properties we uncover the lives of their owners and sometimes even generations of families. Our research and probate teams piece together records, histories, and family connections to understand what happened. Through this work, we uncover how and why a property becomes empty.
What counts as an unoccupied property
A property is considered empty when it has been unoccupied for more than six months. Normally, there are no residents, no signs of activity, and the home showing physical neglect. Long‑term vacancy often occurs when a property is delayed in probate, abandoned by owners, or left empty due to family relocation.
Why talking about unoccupied properties is important
We often see articles in the news highlighting the growing problem of empty properties across the UK. At the same time, the housing crisis continues to impact many people and communities. This contributes to the increasing rates of homelessness, limited affordable housing and wider social and economic challenges.
Top 10 areas in England with the highest number of unoccupied properties (2025)
- Greater London (105,138)
- Birmingham (14,473)
- Leeds (11,767)
- Liverpool (10,674)
- Bradford (7,550)
- Sheffield (7,423)
- Brighton & Hove (5,727)
- Manchester (5,684)
- Bristol (5,655)
- Leicester (5,093)
This shows the scale of empty housing in major urban areas, where housing demand is high and supply is already constrained. Estimates suggest that England needs at least 300,000 new homes each year to keep pace with population growth and ease affordability pressures. While building new homes is another solution to the housing crisis, it is equally important to consider how existing space is used. Bringing empty housing back into circulation can play a role in increasing supply.
Councils are already under pressure to bring existing housing stock back into use. However, they face challenges in identifying empty properties, tracing property owners, and locating next of kin.
How you can help
Do you think you have found an empty property, there may be a bigger story behind it.
Report the property to us today!
- £20 voucher reward for reporting a property that meets our criteria.
- If we purchase a property you reported, you will receive 10% of our fee for handling and selling the property. (capped at a maximum of £10,000)
- Helping bring empty homes back into use.
What happens after you submit a property
Our research and probate teams begin by verifying the ownership of the property. We either begin open conversations with the owner or tracing any next of kin. If the property meets our criteria, you receive a £20 referral reward, and we work to bring it back into use.
Final thoughts
If you’ve noticed a property sitting empty, don’t ignore it. One quick report could help a family reclaim their inheritance, restore a home, and improve your community.
