The Great British Property Hoard: More Empty Homes Than You Can Shake a Sold Sign At
Ever feel like you're constantly refreshing Rightmove only to find the good stuff snatched up faster than a free Greggs sausage roll? Well, you're not wrong. But buckle up, because here's a mind-boggling statistic that might just make you want to downsize to a cardboard box (cardboard boxes are selling like hotcakes these days, mind you): there are more empty homes in England than there are houses in Manchester, a whole darn city!
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| How Many Empty Homes Are There In England |
So, How Many Empty Homes Are We Talking About?
Here's where things get a little fuzzy, like a house that hasn't seen a vacuum cleaner in a decade. The definition of "empty" can be a bit like that mystery stain on the carpet – depends who you ask.
- The Government's Count: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (don't even ask what that department does) says there are around 261,189 long-term empty properties (that's empty for over six months). That's a lot of dust bunnies gathering for a tea party.
- The Wider Empty Property Picture: But hold on to your hard hats, folks! This number only counts the truly vacant. When you factor in short-term lets, holiday homes, and those places that somehow dodge council tax altogether, some estimates put the figure closer to a whopping 1 million empty homes!
That's enough empty space to house a whole other population the size of, well, Manchester (again, because it's mind-blowing).
Why So Many Empty Homes, Then?
Good question! The reasons are as varied as the cobwebs in these abandoned abodes. Here's a quick peek:
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
- Inheritance Issues: Family squabbles over who gets granny's old place? Yep, that can leave a house empty for years.
- Second Homeowners: Fancy a seaside escape every now and then? Great! But that cute cottage by the beach might be sitting empty most of the year.
- Property Developers: Landlords waiting for the "right price" to sell or rent? Not exactly helpful when people are desperate for a place to live.
Is Anyone Doing Anything About It?
Well, there's always a bright side, right? Sorta. The government has some schemes to encourage bringing these empty homes back to life, like higher council tax on long-term vacant properties. But let's be honest, the impact is yet to be seen.
So, what can you do? Besides plotting a heist to liberate some of these empty mansions (not recommended), keep an eye out for local initiatives that help bring empty homes back into use.
Empty Homes FAQs
1. How to Find Out If a House is Empty?
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
This can be tricky, but checking local council tax records or talking to neighbours might give you some clues.
2. How to Report an Empty Property?
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Most councils have a system for reporting long-term empty homes. Check your local council website.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
3. How to Buy an Empty Home?
Sometimes, empty homes do go up for sale. Look out for property auctions or speak to estate agents who specialize in renovating and selling empty properties.
4. How to Rent an Empty Home?
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
There are schemes that help match potential tenants with empty homes. Get in touch with your local council or housing association.
5. How to Live Rent-Free in an Empty Mansion (Like in the Movies)?
Sorry to burst your bubble, but this one's purely fantasy. Unless you inherit a mansion (with no family squabbles attached), this ain't happening.
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