Number of Empty Homes at its Lowest

Figures released by the Government yesterday shows that the number of empty homes is now at its lowest level since records began.

A Housing statistical release by The Department for Communities and Local Government on Dwelling Stock Estimates 2015 England.

There were 23.5 million dwellings in England at 31 March 2015, an increase of 171,000 dwellings (0.73%) on the same point the previous year.

14.7 million dwellings were owner occupied dwellings, 4.7 million private rented dwellings and 4.0 million social and affordable rented dwellings (Private Registered Providers plus Local Authority).

Between March 2014 and March 2015, the private rented dwelling stock increased by 125,000 and the owner occupied stock increased by 37,000. The social and affordable rented stock increased by 19,000 dwellings and the other public sector stock decreased by 9,000 dwellings.

There were 600,179 vacant dwellings in England on 5 October 2015, a decrease of 9,944 (1.6%) from 610,123 on 6 October 2014

Long – term vacant dwellings numbered 203,596 on 5 October
2015, a fall of 2,225 (1.1%) from 205,821 on 6 October2014.

These figures showed show an increase in the number of owner-occupied homes in the past year, after seven years of decline, starting in 2007.

The government has introduced a number of measures to get homes back into use that have stood empty for years.

Read the full report on the Gov.UK website click here

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Bank of England’s rate hold

The Bank of England has held interest rates at 3.75% for the sixth consecutive time. Matt Smith, Rightmove’s mortgage expert, says: “The Bank of England’s decision to hold the base rate will come as welcome news to mortgage borrowers, particularly those on tracker mortgages whose monthly repayments move in line with changes to the base…
Read More
yopa sales 2017
Breaking News

54,000 properties hit market during back to school rush

Over 50,000 homes have hit the market since the nation’s schools returned following the summer holidays, with the level of property for sale climbing by as much as 35% across some areas of England, according to the latest research by Yopa. The full-service estate agency analysed the number of homes listed for sale across each…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

69% of homebuyers would compromise on their property

New research from UK Property Development reveals that 69% of recent UK homebuyers would be willing to compromise on the property itself to live in a better location, while 65% say they would pay more for a home if the location was right. The findings, from a survey of 1,016 recent UK homebuyers*, highlight the…
Read More
Breaking News

The UK towns boasting +80% house price growth amid nationwide drop

For the first time since 2023, UK house prices have dropped. However, many areas are bucking the recent news, with strong growth overall in the last 5 and 10 years. The cash house buyers and property experts at Sell House Fast have compiled ‘The Property Prosperity Index’, revealing the best places to buy and sell property…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

London remains destination of choice for international property wealth

The latest research from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed that London accounts for 43% of all property titles owned by overseas companies across England and Wales, highlighting the capital’s enduring appeal as an international property investment destination. Benham and Reeves analysed the latest Land Registry Overseas Companies Ownership Data to…
Read More
to let sign 2025
Breaking News

First drop in rental supply in three years pushes rents higher

Rental growth set to accelerate to 4–5 per cent by the end of 2026 as higher mortgage rates keep would-be buyers renting for longer, reducing rental supply UK rents are 2.6 per cent higher in the 12 months to July 2026, up from 1.6 per cent in February and are on track to reach 4-5…
Read More