The cost of living crisis has exacerbated the UK housing crisis. With mortgages and private rental prices soaring high and showing no signs of stopping, many people struggle to afford a home. Landlords are now charging eye-watering prices due to the supply and demand issue, knowing that no matter what the cost, someone will snap the place up, often due to desperation to house their family – there are simply not enough houses available for everyone.
This blog will discuss the empty properties in the UK, and whether they can help with the housing crisis.
Empty Properties
It may shock you to learn that more than 260,000 properties are classed as long-term empty in the UK. This means the property has been vacant for more than six months. It is a hard pill to swallow with so many people unable to get on the property ladder or even afford to rent a home big enough for their family. And we are constantly seeing new housing developments being built, but they are not accessible to the majority. So, the question on many people’s lips is, ‘If a quarter of a million properties are empty, and many people need a home, why not use those instead of building more?’. Unfortunately, it simply does not work that way.
The Negative Effects of Abandoned Properties
If a property is left abandoned long term, it can have serious implications. Not only will it attract crime, such as vandalism and arson, which affects neighbours and the surroundings, but it is also a potential environmental health hazard. Rodents can quickly fill abandoned properties, especially if they contain furniture, perishables and clutter. Pipes could freeze and burst, causing leaks, which is another risk to neighbours. Another issue is squatters, which are not easy to remove once they are in a property. These things will significantly reduce a property’s value and appeal, potentially hindering those around it. The work and money required to refurbish abandoned properties are considerable.
What’s the Answer?
Properties are often abandoned due to the owner passing away. All efforts should be made to trace surviving family members who can have the property professionally cleared by a clearance company, such as National Clearance. Once a home is cleared, the next steps can be established. If this is done efficiently for every person who passes away, the number of abandoned homes in the UK will decrease drastically, boosting the properties available on the market. If you know about an abandoned property, you should contact your local council.
Contact National Clearances on 0203 9859552.