We are deep in a housing crisis – why are so many properties still empty?

New data reveals councils are barely taking over empty homes anymore, amid calls for a new national programme to bring unused properties back into use.

Empty homes are just one part of the housing crisis, but a key piece of the puzzle. Pic: Unsplash

Not a single council went to court to take over the management of empty homes in 2023 or 2024, an exclusive investigation by The Lead has found.

While councils should be able to take over empty homes to house homeless families via an Empty Dwelling Management…