Why are properties being left empty?
It is important to recognise that not all empty homes are a major problem and there are often good reasons for properties being left empty, for example they can be empty between a change of occupants, if they are for sale, or undergoing refurbishment. However, there are increasing numbers of empty homes and properties that are problematic and empty for longer than is reasonable due to the housing market.
The estimated number of empty domestic properties over 6 months in South Ribble in January 2021 was 767. Of these 29 have been empty for more than ten years.
Reasons a property may be left empty;
Individual factors
- the owner may be unwilling to consider leasing or letting the property
- the owner may be temporarily working abroad and intend to live in the property in the future
- the owner may not be aware of the property’s existence, for example where property records are not kept
- unresolved ownership matters e.g. following the death of an owner
- the owner may not fully appreciate the financial benefit of bringing their empty property back into use
- the property may have been acquired solely for speculative investment purposes and the owner is not concerned that the property is empty
- the property may be owned by a development company who has plans for its future redevelopment
- the property may be joined to a business property and the business owner does not want to let it
- the owner may be in hospital or care.
Property factors
- the property may be in need of major repairs or refurbishment and the owner may not have the necessary resources to make the property habitable
- there may be problems with accessing the property
- there may be planning restrictions which restrict the occupancy of the property
- the property has been repossessed.