When homes are left vacant for long periods they can quickly fall into disrepair, attract anti-social behaviour, and impact the quality of life for nearby residents.
Beyond being an eyesore, the financial burden for property owners is considerable – on average vacant homes can cost £7,000 per year in lost rental income, higher insurance premiums, maintenance, and council tax charges.
In Burnley the council have been addressing this with their Empty Homes Programme which has returned 992 properties to use since the scheme was launched (as the Vacant Property Initiative) in 2004.
Partnering with property owners and collaborating with local housing associations, such as Calico, has been instrumental in the programme’s success. Since 2011, the Council has acquired over 170 long-term empty properties, many of which were extensively renovated before being sold to owner-occupiers or landlords.
These renovations often involved structural repairs, modern upgrades, and energy-efficiency improvements, ensuring the homes not only met but often exceeded current housing standards. A key focus of these efforts has been sustainability—creating energy-efficient homes that reduce energy costs for residents and contribute to lowering the borough’s overall carbon footprint.
Burnley’s efforts have significantly reduced the number of vacant homes in the borough. In 2009, the highest number of empty properties was recorded at 3,232. As of October 2024, this figure stands at 1,724, nearly halving the 2009 peak. Of these, 582 are classified as long-term vacant (vacant for over six months).
Burnley Council has been at the forefront of using Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to address long-term empty homes by allowing the Council to take control of properties left vacant for extended periods. These are particularly useful when owners prove unwilling or unable to bring them back into use.
The value of CPOs the council can be measured by the fact that they are responsible for over 20% of all CPOs issued in England since 2019.
Lukman Patel, Chief Executive of Burnley Council. said: ‘Bringing a single empty property back into use can have a transformative impact on an entire street, addressing the broken window syndrome and fostering a sense of pride and community. An empty property often becomes a focal point for neglect, antisocial behaviour, and visible decline, which can discourage investment and lower the morale of local residents.
‘However, when such a property is revitalised, it not only enhances the street’s appearance but also encourages neighbouring homeowners and landlords to take greater care of their properties. This ripple effect helps to reduce crime, increase property values, and attract new residents or businesses, creating a more vibrant and cohesive neighbourhood. Even one small intervention can spark a wider cycle of renewal and optimism for the whole community.’
Proceeds from property sales are reinvested into the programme, further strengthening the initiative’s impact. On 15th January the Council’s Executive approved four additional CPOs targeting long-vacant properties.
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