Apr

Financial penalties won’t solve empty homes crisis – Propertymark

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Financial penalties won’t solve empty homes crisis – Propertymark

More than 300,000 homes across the country have been left empty for over six months, prompting an industry body to call on the government and councils to take action.

Propertymark has published a policy paper outlining how the government can address empty properties and bring them back into use.

The industry body warns that financial penalties and council tax premiums, such as the 100% extra council tax charged on long-term empty properties in Brighton and Hove, are a “blunt instrument” that can actually discourage owners from investing in returning properties to the market.

Financial penalties alone will not solve the problem.

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, said: “Long-term empty properties are a visible reminder of a system that is not working as effectively as it should. At a time when housing demand continues to outstrip supply, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes unused is neither economically nor socially sustainable.

“Our research shows that while governments across the UK have introduced a range of measures, too many local authorities lack the dedicated resources, funding and strategic framework needed to deliver meaningful change. Financial penalties alone will not solve the problem.

“What works is sustained local engagement, professional advice, and properly funded empty homes teams that can support owners through the process of bringing properties back into use.

“This paper sets out practical, deliverable reforms that would help unlock this wasted stock, revitalise high streets and neighbourhoods, and provide much-needed homes for communities across the country.”

Financial support and advice

Propertymark recommends that the government and councils work collaboratively with the third sector to understand the underlying reasons why homes become empty.

The industry body says: “This could be an opportunity to engage local people, utilise data and intelligence, and identify local solutions.”

They also suggest that local authorities across the UK should have a dedicated officer responsible for tackling empty properties, a clear strategy for addressing them, and sufficient revenue and capital budgets to implement these plans.

Other recommendations include providing owners with financial support and practical advice instead of relying solely on penalties, and introducing a targeted government investment programme focused on areas with high concentrations of long-term empty homes.

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