The UK has hundreds of thousands of empty homes while millions struggle to find affordable housing. This page presents the latest data on empty properties across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Key Statistics
| Metric | Figure | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total empty homes (England) | 676,304 | 2023 |
| Long-term empty (6+ months) | 261,189 | 2023 |
| Second homes | 262,000+ | 2023 |
| Empty homes (Wales) | 27,000+ | 2023 |
| Empty homes (Scotland) | 43,000+ | 2023 |
England: Regional Breakdown
| Region | Total Empty | Long-term Empty |
|---|---|---|
| North West | 96,000+ | 38,000+ |
| London | 87,000+ | 25,000+ |
| South East | 82,000+ | 28,000+ |
| Yorkshire & Humber | 68,000+ | 29,000+ |
| West Midlands | 63,000+ | 25,000+ |
| East of England | 60,000+ | 21,000+ |
| South West | 58,000+ | 23,000+ |
| East Midlands | 50,000+ | 20,000+ |
| North East | 39,000+ | 18,000+ |
Trends Over Time
Empty homes statistics have fluctuated over the past decade:
- 2010: Over 700,000 empty homes in England
- 2015: Decline to approximately 600,000
- 2020: Slight increase during pandemic
- 2023: 676,000+ empty homes
Why Homes Stay Empty
- Awaiting sale: Properties on the market
- Probate: Estates being settled
- Renovation: Properties being refurbished
- Investment: Held for capital gain
- Second homes: Holiday and weekend properties
- Disputes: Legal or family disagreements
- Abandonment: Owners cannot be traced
What's Being Done
Various initiatives aim to reduce empty homes:
- Council tax premiums: Up to 300% extra for long-term empty
- Empty Dwelling Management Orders: Council takeover powers
- Empty homes grants: Funding for renovation
- Compulsory purchase: For problem properties
- Property guardianship: Temporary occupation
Data Sources
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Action on Empty Homes
- Office for National Statistics
- Council Tax Base returns
Related Information
Learn more about empty homes and housing solutions.
Empty Property Regulations Housing Crisis Overview