Unlocking the Potential of Empty Homes

A case study of RHE Global's regional project on empty homes and private sector housing engagement

As part of Empty Homes Week, we at RHE Global would like to draw attention to our recent findings in a research project delivered for one of our clients. The significant impact of empty homes interventions on addressing the critical need for decent, affordable and secure housing cannot be overstated. RHE Global recently completed a project focused on empty homes and private sector housing engagement, with a regional focus. Working closely with our client, we aimed to address pressing housing challenges while enhancing collaboration and innovation.

As is the case in many regions, our client faces complex housing issues, including a significant number of empty homes, a pressured housing system and challenges in engaging the private sector. Having recognised the need for strategic interventions, they sought our expertise to conduct a comprehensive review and develop actionable recommendations.

Through research and stakeholder engagement, we undertook extensive data gathering and analysis as a means of fully understanding the scope and scale of the empty homes problem. This played a pivotal role in the project. We liaised with local authorities, housing associations, private sector housing providers and other partners to gather insights, identify challenges and develop solutions. 

Our research uncovered several key findings that shaped our recommendations, the first being the critical nature of maintaining accurate data on empty homes and dilapidated buildings, with this information then integrated into housing stock-condition databases. Accurate data is essential for the effective allocation of resources to address empty homes, whilst facilitating targeted interventions to areas with the highest housing need. 

Energy efficiency and affordable warmth emerged as strategic priorities. We also highlighted the connection between poor housing conditions, ill-health and tenant insecurity. This emphasises the importance of early interventions in relation to substandard accommodation, to address housing hazards and enable occupants to feel more secure in their homes, reducing pressure on the housing system in the process. A significant proportion of individuals on the housing waiting lists reported that their current residence was adversely affecting their health, with this being cited as the primary reason for their inclusion on the housing register.

Building on our findings, we developed a set of actionable recommendations aimed at unlocking the potential of empty homes and enhancing private sector housing engagement. These recommendations included:

1. Developing a regional empty properties strategy to coordinate action and resource allocation across local authorities

2. Enhancing enforcement procedures and operational toolkits to streamline empty homes interventions

3. Aligning housing assistance policies to incentivise the repurposing of empty properties and ensure consistency across the region

4. Strengthening collaboration between empty homes initiatives and lettings services to consolidate the repurposing process and support empty property owners in bringing empty properties back into use

5. Investing in area-based regeneration strategies to revitalise communities, housing and the commercial sectors

6. Maximising the use of affordable housing funding to bring empty homes and dilapidated buildings back into use in partnership with housing providers.

RHE Global’s project on empty homes and private sector housing engagement will inform policy development, operational strategies, resource allocation and strategic housing in the region. Proactive steps to address the empty homes challenge will contribute positively to the provision of decent, affordable and secure accommodation and help to create thriving communities for all residents. For more information about consulting and other housing services we offer, please contact us at [email protected].

To assist with empty homes interventions, RIAMS Libraries offers a great way to enhance enforcement procedures and operational toolkits. The libraries provide up-to-date procedures, guidance and templates to support local authorities in their delivery of mandatory and discretionary enforcement. Our suite of documents covers procedures for bringing empty homes back into use, including a strategic guide, use of enforcement powers and remedies for neglected buildings. For more information on accessing RIAMS Libraries, contact us at [email protected] or join the conversation for free on RIAMS Communities.