New homeowners in a London borough could be forced to keep their properties occupied, in landmark proposals to tackle ‘buy-to-leave’.
Islington Borough Council has proposed measures that could require the owners of newly built residences to ensure their property are inhabited for at least 14 days every three months.
The proposals mark the first time a local authority has attempted to use planning powers to combat the sale of new homes as investments that are subsequently left to stand empty.
Islington believes as many as a third or more of residences in some new local developments are potentially vacant.
Under the measures, the council could take legal action against the owner of any new property that is left unoccupied for more than three months.
Cllr James Murray, Islington Council's executive member for housing and development, said: ‘In Islington, as across London, there is a desperate shortage of housing.
‘It's wrong when new homes sit there empty purely as investments, when Londoners are desperately trying to find somewhere to live.
‘Our new proposals would make sure that all new homes in Islington are occupied – we want to send a message that ‘buy-to-leave’ is unacceptable.’
The measures have been put out to consultation until Friday 30 January 2015.
