Empty Homes in England Reach Over One Million

Research conducted by the Empty Homes Network has revealed that the number of empty homes in England has risen to more than one million, representing approximately one in every 25 properties. This figure underscores a significant issue amid the ongoing housing shortage in the UK. The data coincides with National Empty Homes Week, which aims to raise awareness about the scale and impact of vacant properties.

Brighton and Hove Council’s Proactive Approach

Brighton and Hove City Council has reported success in tackling empty homes, having brought over 200 private sector properties back into use since April 2025. This achievement is credited to the combined efforts of the council’s Empty Properties and Council Tax teams. Despite this progress, the council notes that 968 private residential properties remain long-term vacant, having been empty for more than 12 months. These figures exclude second homes and properties undergoing probate.

Councillor Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing and new homes, commented on the situation:
“The steep rise of empty properties across the UK is a troubling phenomenon that’s difficult to understand, especially considering the general housing shortage. Transforming 264 abandoned properties into homes for our residents is no easy feat and we’re proud of our hardworking Empty Properties and Council Tax teams for this achievement. With the supply of housing in Brighton & Hove limited, we desperately need to make sure all empty properties are brought back into use.”

Financial Barriers for Landlords and Investors

Elliot Vure, sales director at Together, highlighted the challenges landlords face in financing empty properties. He explained that traditional mortgage products are often unsuitable for empty or dilapidated homes, particularly those deemed uninhabitable. This can create barriers for prospective buyers, investors, and landlords seeking to bring such properties back into use.

Vure stated:
“While the nation often focuses on building new homes, a large and often overlooked percentage of homes in England are already empty. However, there is a shortfall in local authority power and resources for identifying the empty homes and taking action on empty home complaints within councils. There are also barriers for prospective buyers, investors and landlords to accessing the right kind of finance once these properties are on the market. Traditional mortgage products often aren’t suitable for empty or dilapidated homes, especially where a property is deemed uninhabitable. That’s where specialist lending can play a vital role. As an industry, we should be encouraging and supporting borrowers who are willing to take on vacant or neglected homes. That could mean greater flexibility on property conditions at purchase or exploring partnerships with local authorities where empty homes are a particular issue.”

Council Tax Premiums on Long-Term Empty Properties

Brighton and Hove City Council is urging residents to report properties that have become empty or derelict. The council warns landlords that council tax premiums may apply to vacant homes, with charges increasing based on the length of vacancy. Properties empty for more than one year, up to five years, incur a 100% extra council tax charge. Those empty for over five years, up to ten years, face a 200% surcharge, while homes vacant for more than ten years are subject to a 300% premium.

These financial penalties aim to incentivise landlords to bring empty properties back into use, addressing housing supply shortages and reducing the number of derelict homes in the city.

What This Means for Landlords and Letting Agents

The rise in empty homes presents both challenges and opportunities for landlords and letting agents. On one hand, the availability of specialist mortgage products tailored to empty or uninhabitable properties could facilitate investment in bringing these homes back to the market. On the other, local authorities’ increasing use of council tax premiums on long-term empty properties adds financial pressure on landlords to act promptly.

Landlords should be aware of the potential for increased council tax charges and consider the benefits of working with local authorities or specialist lenders to refurbish and let empty homes. Letting agents can play a crucial role in advising clients on these issues and identifying opportunities to expand the private rented sector by utilising vacant properties.