Tackling empty homes 2025-2030 Why do properties become empty?

Various factors contribute to properties being left vacant, with some easily categorised and others more complex due to individual owner reasons. Common barriers faced by owners of long-term empty properties, preventing them from bringing their properties back into use, include:

  • issues related to inheritance and probate delays  
  • financial constraints hindering necessary repairs or refurbishment
    perceived challenges associated with property letting
  • owner reluctance to utilise the property
  • indecision between selling or renting the property
  • sentimental attachment to the property
  • unreachable owners who effectively abandon the property
  • properties as part of a larger portfolio, where one empty property doesn’t significantly impact overall income

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