Empty homes increased in London for the first time in over 10 years
The number of empty homes in London has been dubbed a ‘scandal’, after figures show almost 35,000 homes were vacant across the capital city – the highest amount since 2010.
The latest data shows that some 34,327 properties in London were ‘long-term vacant’, meaning that they had not been lived in for more than six months and were ‘substantially unfurnished’, as of 31st March 2022. The figure includes both privately owned homes and those under council and housing association ownership.
Against this backdrop, local authorities across England have recently been making the decision on whether to double – or in some cases even triple – council tax on second homes, that can be used as holiday lets, or empty properties.
Research from the number of empty properties in London shows the highest number of properties were located in the borough of Southwark, with 2,422 empty homes, followed by Newham with 1,944 and Barnet with 1,891. The statistics sparked criticism from opponents of London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, who said they were damning in the context of the current housing crisis.
Although the Mayor has limited powers when it comes to reducing the number of empty properties, he can work to support councils to purchase vacant homes in their areas – as well as lobbying the government on a London-wide basis to provide funding and powers to tackle the issue.
Andrew Boff, Conservative London Assembly Member, said the figures showed Khan had ‘completely failed to tackle the housing crisis…neglecting to build the homes that Londoners desperately need while allowing more and more homes to sit empty.’
Additionally, Green Party Assembly Member, Siân Berry, called the situation a ‘scandal’, saying that the government could alleviate the issue by providing the Mayor with more funding to expand his ‘right to buy back’ scheme – a project which allows for council tenants to buy their council home at a discounted rate.
However, in response to these comments, a spokesperson for the Mayor of London, said: ‘The mayor has achieved record-breaking delivery of genuinely affordable homes for Londoners, including higher levels of council homebuilding than at any point since the 1970s.
‘[The] statistics show that the number of long-term empty homes is rising across the country, while the rate of empty homes is lower in London than the rest of England. This is a national issue which demands a national response from government.
‘Sadiq is doing what he can with the limited powers he has, including allowing councils to buy-up empty homes through his right to buy back scheme. However, this issue needs government to act, and the mayor has been clear he wants to see empty dwelling management orders toughened up, as well as additional tough measures put in place such as raising the amount overseas owners must pay for leaving their home empty.’
Image: Fred Moon
