William Eichler 11 August 2025

Vacant property numbers up despite housing shortage

Vacant property numbers up despite housing shortage  image
Vacant properties © richardjohnson

The average number of vacant properties per council area has increased in recent years despite the ongoing housing crisis.

The average vacant properties per council increased by 44% in Wales, 30% in England, and 18% in Scotland since 2021, according to research conducted by the Empty Homes Network for Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (HfHGB)

Accoridng to HfHGB, these buildings, once converted, could provide 25,000 new homes.

Henrietta Blackmore, National Director of HfHGB, commented: ‘We know that empty buildings are only part of the answer to the housing crisis, but they should be an important part. Councils have full control over what they do with their assets and must prioritise social homes.’

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