OUR IMPACT

ACTION ON EMPTY HOMES INFLUENCES POLICY

We influenced:

The creation of Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) powers for councils to tackle long-term empty homes (from 2004)

The reduction of the rate of VAT charged on empty homes renovation work (from 2007)

The New Homes Bonus being applied to long-term empty properties returned to use (2010)

Removing automatic Council Tax discounts on empty properties (from 2013)

Government funding of National Empty Homes Programme (2012-2015)

The new second homes tax, giving councils discretion to charge additional council tax of up to 100% on furnished homes not used as a sole or main residence.

Planning permission will be required for future short-term lets/Airbnbs  (2024)

Registration Scheme to acquire the first official national data on short lets/Airbnbs (2024)

Council tax legislation allowing local authorities to apply tax premiums to homes left empty for just one year instead of two (2024)

ACTION ON EMPTY HOMES PROMOTES AND CREATES EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES

AEH develops effective empty homes strategies with local authorities and community groups that can serve as models for other areas, scaling our impact at a national level.

We issue advice, guidance and offer support through both ‘live’ events and online presentations and regional seminars, email enquiries, along with reference resources such as our Legal Toolkit and Community Action Toolkit.

We regularly support and advise members of the public, community groups, and local authorities on all issues surrounding empty homes.

SHARING EXPERTISE ON EMPTY HOMES

Each year, we publish the only comprehensive analysis of empty homes data.

AEH is cited in the House of Commons Library report on empty homes

Our expertise is reflected in the Crisis report Make History: Ending homelessness with homes

Our data and policy recommendations are included in the Shelter report “Home Again”

We expose the local and nationwide impacts of housing lost to wealth investment and holiday rentals, in our publications, Pretty Vacant, and Nobody’s Home

We work alongside communities retrofitting empty homes, connecting partners, sharing knowledge, and supporting the delivery of local green skills training

Our Partners and Collaborators

There are many organisations and people working tirelessly to create a better housing system for everyone. Empty Homes play a part in helping to resolve this country’s housing crisis. So Action on Empty Homes does not work in a vacuum. Over the years we have formed partnerships and coalitions with the following organisations:

Crisis - we worked with Crisis in 2023 on their report, Make History: Ending homelessness with homes - Unlocking the potential of England’s empty buildings

Shelter - we worked with Shelter in 2024 on their report, Home Again: A 10-City Plan to rapidly convert empty homes into social rent homes

As part of our Campaign Against Empty Homes we joined our voices with:

■ The Big Issue
■ Defend Council Housing
■ Disabled People Against Cuts
■ Fuel Poverty Action
■ Greater Manchester Housing Action
■ Homes for All
■ Labour Homelessness Campaign
■ People Before Profit
■ Radical Housing Network
■ Renters’ Rights London
■ Social Housing Action Campaign
■ Streets Kitchen
■ Street Storage
■ Unite Union London and South East and
London Region
■ Unite Community London and Eastern
Region
■ Yes to Fair Redevelopment

COULD WE HELP YOU?

Project Planning and Development

We could work with your group or team to create detailed plans that maximise impact. From repurposing individual homes to revitalising entire areas, we’ll develop a structured approach that aligns with your goals, whether that’s increasing housing stock, boosting local economy, or improving neighbourhood liveability.

Funding and Financial Strategy

We help you navigate complex funding landscapes, identifying grants, subsidies, and financing options specific to empty home projects. We also connect you with potential partners, from local councils to investors, to provide additional financial and operational support.

Policy Navigation and Compliance

We provide guidance on navigating local and national policies affecting property reuse, affordable housing standards, and sustainable development. With our insight, you’ll save time and resources.

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement

Ensuring community buy-in is crucial for successful property reuse. We facilitate engagement programs that involve residents in decision-making, helping turn projects into joint community endeavors. This boosts long-term success by creating spaces that truly meet local needs.

Sustainable and Affordable Housing Solutions

Our expertise in sustainable redevelopment means that every empty home brought back into use contributes to broader environmental goals. By advising on eco-friendly retrofitting and affordable housing practices, we help ensure each project is both economically and environmentally responsible.

Let’s Create Lasting Impact Together

With decades of expertise on empty homes, we’re here to help you turn underutilised properties into community resources. Reach out today to learn how Action on Empty Homes can help bring your vision to life, from initial planning to successful repurposing

 

You can support what we do

We believe that with over 1 million homes empty in England

and over 325,000 people in desperate housing need,

more must be done to bring empty homes back into use.

You can support us in this mission.