The London Assembly Housing Committee met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss the issue of empty homes in London. The committee heard from experts about the scale of the problem, its drivers, and potential solutions, and also discussed the impact of empty homes on communities and the wider housing crisis.

Empty Homes in London: A Growing Concern

The meeting highlighted the significant and increasing problem of empty homes in London, with 105,138 properties recorded as vacant in 2025, a rise of 81 per cent since 2016. This represents 2.7% of London's total housing stock. The committee heard that these empty homes not only reduce the supply of housing available to those in need but also have detrimental social and economic effects on communities, contributing to anti-social behaviour and impacting the delivery of local services.

Key Drivers and Impacts

Experts identified several key factors contributing to the rise in empty homes. These include:

• Inheritance and Disputes: Properties left empty due to the death of an owner, often complicated by probate issues or disputes among family members, were cited as a significant factor.
• Financial Difficulties and Disrepair: Owners facing financial hardship, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, or those with properties in poor condition requiring expensive repairs, were also contributing to the number of empty homes. The complexity and restrictive criteria of grants like the Empty Home Grant were noted as barriers.
• Planning Delays: Lengthy planning permission processes, particularly for subdividing family homes into flats, were identified as a significant hurdle for developers and investors looking to bring properties back into use.
• Investment and Buy-to-Leave : A substantial number of empty homes, particularly new builds, are believed to be bought for investment purposes or by overseas buyers, with owners living abroad and visiting infrequently. This buy-to-leave phenomenon was linked to the financialisation of housing and the increasing value of land in London.
• Lack of Council Resources: Local authorities face significant challenges in addressing empty homes due to funding cuts and a lack of dedicated staff and resources. This limits their ability to enforce regulations, trace owners, and provide necessary support.

Borough-Specific Challenges and Approaches

Representatives from the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Camden, and Lewisham shared their experiences:

• Waltham Forest and Lewisham highlighted that council tax records are not always accurate, as properties are not always reported as empty. Derelict properties are impacting neighbours and street scenes, and enforcement is a lengthy process. The lack of dedicated Empty Homes Officers in some boroughs was also noted as a significant issue.
• Camden faces challenges with new developments remaining unoccupied for years, suspected to be used as short-term lets or Airbnbs. While properties within blocks may be less visible, derelict street properties and large homes in affluent areas like Hampstead pose enforcement difficulties due to lack of resources. The issue of second homes, often genuine, was also raised.
• Lewisham noted that not all properties are reported as empty due to council tax premiums after one year. Properties on the council tax list are often well-maintained, with owners visiting periodically. The borough has developed an Empty Homes Strategy and uses social media for engagement, but capacity remains a challenge.

Solutions and Recommendations

The committee and guests discussed various potential solutions and areas for improvement:

• Increased Resources and Dedicated Roles: The need for more dedicated Empty Homes Officers and better-resourced teams within local authorities was repeatedly stressed. This would allow for more proactive tracing, engagement, and enforcement.
• Improved Data Collection: A more accurate and consistent approach to collecting data on empty homes, including street surveys and better integration with council tax records, was deemed essential. The current reliance on self-reporting and council tax data was seen as insufficient.
• Enhanced Enforcement Powers: While premiums on empty homes can encourage some owners to act, they do not always lead to properties being occupied. The effectiveness of council tax premiums was questioned, with suggestions that they do not always drive properties back into use. There was a call for stronger enforcement measures, including enforced sales and compulsory purchase orders, particularly for long-term empty properties and stalled developments.
• Financial Incentives and Support: The effectiveness of grants and loans, such as the Empty Homes Grant and the No Use Empty scheme in Kent, was highlighted. The potential for the Mayor to offer similar schemes in London was discussed. The VAT reduction for properties empty for over two years was seen as a helpful incentive, but its accessibility was limited by the capacity of council teams to verify eligibility.
• Planning Reform: The lengthy planning permission process was identified as a barrier, particularly for investors wanting to subdivConvert properties into multiple units. Calls were made for clearer timeframes for completing developments after planning permission is granted.
• Mayor's Role: Suggestions for the Mayor included lobbying the Government for stronger powers for local authorities, providing funding for dedicated Empty Homes Officers, and potentially offering financial incentives similar to schemes in Kent. The Mayor's commitment to addressing empty homes was questioned, with a call for more tangible action beyond the empty homes premium.
• Systemic Issues: The discussion touched upon broader issues such as the financialisation of housing, the role of institutional investors, and the need for a more proportional property tax system. The potential for money laundering through London property was also raised as an area requiring further research.

The committee acknowledged that addressing empty homes is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach involving national government, the Mayor, local authorities, and housing associations. The insights from the panel will inform the committee's recommendations for tackling the growing problem of empty homes in London.