What is an empty home?

An empty home is a residential property within the private sector that has been unoccupied for six months or more. Such properties are referred to as Long Term Empty Homes. Whilst some are empty for valid reasons such as those undergoing major renovations, others may have been abandoned or become too difficult for the owner to maintain.

Homes that fall into disrepair can pose a risk to the neighbourhood too; from anti-social behaviour and pests to economic challenges as they devalue neighbouring properties.

Turning empty homes back into lively homes ensures our housing stock is used effectively, maintaining of good housing conditions and use up less of the emergency services invaluable time. If the council knows about an empty property we may be able to do something to bring it back into use.

An empty property can be brought back into use after it has been sold, auctioned, rented, or when owners or family members move in to make it a home once more.

With the average private rent in Malvern Hills DC rising to £940 per month as of May 2026 according to the Office for National Statistics, the costs of owning an Empty Home are far too great to ignore.

Why is it important to bring properties back into use?

In addition to contributing towards meeting the Council’s housing need and easing the shortage of housing, a reduction for demand for new homes may also be a consequence which in turn would reduce the use of Green Belt whilst lowering our carbon footprint.

• Increasing the provision of much-needed homes
• Source of income for the owner
• Contributing to the regeneration of an area
• Increasing spending in the local economy
• Potentially increasing the market value of surrounding properties
• Reducing the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour at the property
• Reducing the need to build new homes in the area

Why are properties empty?

There are several reasons why properties are empty with some more complex than others:

• Difficulty to sell or let in current condition
• Inheritance and/or change of ownership
• Lack of funding available to renovate
• Awaiting planning consent or decision
• Prohibition orders preventing properties from being occupied due to hazards
• Owner has moved into care or hospital
• Repossession
• Family disputes
• Stuck in probate
• Major refurbishment needed
• Abandonment and the owners are untraceable
• Perceived problems associated with the letting of the property
• Sentimental attachment to the property