Local authorities have been given greater powers to address the growing number of empty properties as housing pressures continue to rise. More than 300,000 homes in England were classified as long-term empty last year, prompting the government to announce reforms to Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs).
The changes aim to help councils bring long-term vacant properties back into use, make better use of existing housing stock and address the shortage of available homes. These reforms form part of a wider government strategy to tackle empty properties across England.
What is an EDMO?
An Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) is a legal mechanism that enables local authorities to take over the management of a long-term empty property. Although ownership remains with the property owner, the council can manage or rent out the home for a period of up to seven years.
The primary aim of an EDMO is to return unused homes to the housing market, making better use of existing properties and helping to meet local housing needs.
What are the changes to EDMOs?
The reforms have reduced the period a property must remain vacant before it may qualify for an EDMO, from two years to six months. This allows councils to intervene earlier when homes remain unoccupied, helping to prevent neglect and deterioration.
The application process has also been simplified by removing certain evidential requirements before intervention. This is intended to make it easier for councils to take action where empty properties contribute to problems such as anti-social behaviour or wider community concerns.
What problems do empty properties cause?
More than 300,000 homes in England were classified as long-term empty last year, representing a 13% increase on the previous year. Properties can remain vacant for a variety of reasons, including delays in probate, difficulties identifying heirs and owners holding multiple properties.
When homes are left unoccupied and poorly maintained for extended periods, they can fall into disrepair and become vulnerable to vandalism, unauthorised access and anti-social behaviour. These issues can undermine residents’ sense of security, affect the appearance of neighbourhoods and potentially have a negative impact on surrounding property values.
How Blanchards can help
With only 38% of councils reported to have an active empty homes strategy in place, identifying the people responsible for vacant properties remains an important part of tackling the issue.
Blanchards supports local authorities by tracing property owners and identifying the next of kin or heirs associated with empty properties. Through finding probate property owners’ next of kin, we can bring the former empty property back on the market. Our services are free to the public sector.
