Number of vacant homes reaches five-year high

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by Kay Murchie

According to the latest Halifax Empty Homes Survey, the number of private homes which had been empty for at least six months soared by 9% during the year to April 2008 to 303,285 - a level not seen since April 2003.

The bank said the latest figures mean that 1.6% of all privately owned properties in England were empty.

Furthermore, the Halifax said when homes unoccupied for less than six months were included in the total, the figure rose to 613,270.

Meanwhile, the survey established an evident north/south divide with the highest number of vacant homes at 66,691, located in the North West - accounting for 22% of all unused properties in England.

In comparison, 1.1% of private homes were empty in London, the South East and South West.

Properties are classed as being empty if they have been vacant for more than six months because they are between occupants, undergoing modernisation, in disrepair or awaiting demolition.

However, the Halifax highlighted that levels of deprivation were typically higher in areas that had a high proportion of vacant properties.

Commenting on the figures, Suren Thiru of the Halifax, said: “It is concerning that there are over 300,000 private homes in England that have been empty for more than six months and that the number has increased recently following several years of decline. In many cases, high levels of long-term empty homes reflect relatively high levels of deprivation, low average earnings and high unemployment.”

A spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government said: “Councils must do more to deal with empty homes, which is why we have strengthened their role so they can work with owners to bring their property back into use.”