Haringey Council states that it is targeting empty homes to optimise its housing stock and address the needs of those who need a home whilst enhancing the local environment. The council has also enforced a 200% council tax premium on homes left empty for longer than 12 months.
Double tax on empty homes takes effect on 1 April 2024
Homes in England with no residents will attract a council tax premium of up to 100% from next month as tax reforms aimed at supporting people in areas where empty properties prevent them from finding affordable housing come into force.
What is a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)?
CPOs are legal orders that can be used by organisations including local authorities and development corporations to buy land or property without the consent of the current owner. They are used to support public interest projects such as regeneration, development and infrastructure.
The owner is entitled to compensation which is usually based on the market value of the property plus disturbance costs, which considers things like professional fees and the cost of moving.
The impact of empty homes
Long-term empty homes can have a significant detrimental impact on the local community, and they often suffer from decay due to the lack of maintenance. This leads to them becoming a nuisance to neighbours and attracting crime and anti-social behaviour.
Furthermore, with nearly 700,000 homes standing empty and unfurnished in England, bringing them back into use as permanent homes would be a significant step towards ending the housing crisis.
England lags behind on utilising empty homes
Showing support for National Empty Homes Week, which runs from 27 February to 5 March, Propertymark continues lobbying on the issue of restoring thousands of empty homes in the UK, with our campaign work contributing to the Welsh Government's National Empty Homes Grant Scheme announcement.
Propertymark campaigning
Propertymark has carried out long-term lobbying for action on empty homes, calling on the UK and Devolved Governments to create incentives such as removing VAT on home and energy efficiency improvements and discounts or exemptions to Council Tax and Stamp Duty when empty properties are purchased and utilised.
Our campaigning helped lead to the introduction of a National Empty Homes Grant scheme in Wales which provides grants of up to £25,000 for homeowners or prospective homeowners to remove significant hazards from their properties to make them safe to live in and to improve their energy efficiency.
Propertymark calls for action on empty homes
Showing support for National Empty Homes Week, 28 February to 6 March, Propertymark has written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities wanting action on empty homes to bolster much-needed supply in the private rented sector and for those looking to move house or get on the housing ladder.
