Many cities across Britain are becoming more and more like ghost towns as absentee owners push up property prices but fail to contribute to the local economy.
Many cities across Britain are becoming more and more like ghost towns as absentee owners push up property prices but fail to contribute to the local economy.
There are multiple reasons as to why properties are left empty on a long term basis with the top four being:
- Landlords are unable to afford repairs for it to be suitable for a new tenant
- It’s an inherited property and the new owners are unsure what to do with it
- Renovations are taking a long time or they have stalled
- The owners are waiting for the market value to increase before a sale
Unsurprisingly, more than three quarters of British adults (78%) think that the Government should place a higher priority on tackling empty homes.
In addition, with cuts to housing benefit, welfare reform and a huge lack of affordable housing, homelessness is a crisis that has seen a 26% rise in the last four years. Statistics have shown that if empty homes were put back into use, there would be the equivalent of eleven homes per person registered as being accepted as homeless and in priority need.
Whilst public perception and the vast numbers of homelessness and empty homes instill a sense of urgency, official statistics show that numbers of empty homes have been consistently decreasing over the last 10 years. There’s still much to be done; however, it’s positive that the cities and community groups are making a stronger effort to reduce both numbers.
We are on hand to support new owners with selling their homes in a swift and effective manner to get properties back on the market and inhabited as soon as possible.
To show further support to the campaign to prevent homelessness and support those without homes, we have made a donation to “Homes from Empty Homes”.
For further information support regarding empty homes in England, you can visit:
For further information about homelessness in England, you can find out more at:
