There are now more than 700,000 empty homes in England, according to the latest government figures. Of these, nearly 265,000 have been empty for six months or more — often called “long-term empty” properties.
Empty homes are more than just houses without people living in them. They can cause real problems in local communities. When a home sits empty, it can fall into disrepair. It may attract pests, rubbish dumping, and antisocial behaviour. Neighbours can feel unsafe and worried. For some, living next to an empty property is a daily source of stress and fear.
As one resident in Bristol shared, living next to a long-term empty home has brought ongoing stress and concern to the whole street. Stories like this show the human side of a growing problem.
Empty properties are a wasted resource, especially when so many people in the UK struggle to find safe, secure housing. On one night last autumn, over 4,600 people were sleeping on the streets in England — a number rising every year. Bringing empty homes back into use could help ease this crisis.
But why do so many homes stay empty? Sometimes owners cannot afford the repairs. Sometimes properties are tied up in legal processes like probate after a family member dies. Other times, owners may not be aware of help or don’t know where to turn.
Local councils across England are working hard to tackle this issue. They try to trace owners and encourage them to repair and rent out or sell empty homes. Some councils have special powers to manage properties if owners do not act, but these powers are rarely used because of complex legal hurdles.
Helping homeowners with responsible finance — such as empty home loans — is one important part of the solution. Loans designed specifically for empty homes can help cover the cost of repairs and upgrades, turning empty properties into safe and warm places to live.
Empty homes affect us all. They impact neighbourhoods, community spirit, and local safety. By understanding the issue better and supporting solutions, we can help make our communities stronger and warmer — one home at a time.
You can read the full BBC report on empty homes here: BBC Empty Homes Report
