Callum Emmerson
In cities and towns across the United Kingdom, thousands of properties sit vacant. From grand Georgian estates in the countryside to vacant houses in city neighbourhoods, abandoned properties have become a surprisingly common sight. But why does such a developed country have so many abandoned properties and buildings? The reasons are complex, encompassing economic, legal, and social factors.
The Economic Shift and Decline of Industries
The UK has experienced significant economic shifts, especially in areas that once relied on manufacturing, mining, and heavy industries. Towns that thrived during the Industrial Revolution have faced decline, leaving behind neighbourhoods full of empty houses, warehouses, and office buildings. As jobs vanished, many families relocated to cities with more economic opportunities, leaving their homes and businesses behind.
Impact: Over time, these empty properties become a burden on local councils, often deteriorating due to neglect. Once a property is abandoned, it can quickly fall into disrepair, creating an unattractive environment that can further drive down property values in the area.
Inheritance and Legal Complexities
When a property owner dies without leaving clear instructions or heirs, the property can become entangled in legal issues, making it difficult to determine ownership. These “orphaned” properties, as they’re sometimes called, can remain unoccupied for years as probate processes drag on or disputes arise over rightful ownership.
Blanchards often encounter properties that are left because there is no family to deal with the estate. This leads to the property being empty for years even decades until a heir hunters are ordered to investigate and find heirs.
Impact: These legal complexities prevent properties from being sold, rented, or restored. The extended timeline for resolving such issues means properties often remain vacant long enough to become dilapidated, further complicating their potential for resale.
The Rise of Overseas Investment and “Buy-to-Leave” Properties
In recent years, the UK property market has seen a surge in overseas investment, particularly in major cities like London. Many investors buy properties as assets rather than residences, often leaving them unoccupied to benefit from potential property appreciation. These “buy-to-leave” properties exacerbate the problem by removing housing stock from the market, which could otherwise be used to alleviate housing shortages.
Impact: While overseas investment can boost the economy, it has created a paradox where housing prices rise, yet more properties sit empty. The result is a growing perception of “ghost towns” in parts of London, where prime real estate sits unused while residents struggle with high rents and a housing shortage.
Regeneration Projects Gone Awry
Urban regeneration projects are often designed to breathe new life into economically struggling areas. However, when such projects stall or funding runs out, the properties slated for redevelopment may be abandoned. These large, empty buildings and stalled developments are visible reminders of projects that were started with high hopes but left incomplete.
Impact: Stalled regeneration projects can leave behind more than just empty buildings; they leave communities in a state of limbo, with little clarity on when or if the project will be completed. These projects also discourage potential businesses and residents from moving to the area, fearing instability or inconvenience.
Lack of Incentive for Private Landlords
Private landlords own a significant portion of the UK’s vacant properties, especially those in poor condition. Due to the high cost of repairs, lack of tax incentives, and risk of rent arrears, some landlords choose to leave properties empty rather than invest in restoring them or finding tenants. Current policies do little to encourage landlords to bring properties back onto the market, especially when renovation costs are high.
Impact: This phenomenon means many affordable properties remain off the market, contributing to the housing crisis. Without incentives, landlords have little reason to make these properties liveable again, which leads to a cycle of disuse and decay for these abandoned properties.
What’s Being Done About It?
Several initiatives are underway across the UK to address the issue of abandoned properties, with the hope of transforming these spaces into assets for their communities.
Probate Research firms
When probate researchers are referred an abandoned property, we endeavour to get a backstory on the owner. If the owner has passed away and no one is handling the estate, probate researchers will attempt to trace heirs. From here, we will begin the process of transferring the estate to the rightful heirs. This includes tracing all heirs, completing the entire probate process and selling the property. This then brings the property back to use under new ownership.
Government-Led Revitalisation Programs
Programs like the “Empty Homes Programme” and the “New Homes Bonus” encourage local councils to identify and address abandoned properties. Councils can receive funding to purchase, repair, and repurpose empty homes for affordable housing. In some cases, councils are empowered to take over properties that have been vacant for extended periods through compulsory purchase orders (CPOs).
Success Stories: Liverpool’s “Homes for a Pound” scheme allowed residents to buy abandoned properties for just £1, provided they committed to renovate and live in them for at least five years. This program successfully revitalised some areas, attracting new residents and boosting community pride.
Taxation and Penalty Incentives for Landlords
To encourage landlords to either rent out or sell vacant properties, some councils have increased council tax rates on properties that remain vacant for extended periods. For example, homes left empty for over two years can face tax premiums of up to 300% in some areas.
Effectiveness: These measures have led some landlords to bring properties back onto the market or sell them, thereby making better use of existing housing stock. Although this approach has seen some success, it remains inconsistent across councils, limiting its overall impact.
Community Land Trusts and Non-Profit Interventions
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and non-profit organisations work to secure abandoned properties for community use. These groups acquire abandoned homes or buildings, often through grants, and convert them into affordable housing or community spaces. By involving local residents in the process, CLTs ensure that these properties meet the needs of the community.
Example: The East London CLT has successfully turned abandoned spaces into affordable homes, giving residents a direct stake in the property’s success and sustainability.
Digital Mapping of Empty Homes
Technology is being used to help councils and organisations track and monitor abandoned properties. Digital platforms and mapping tools allow local authorities to identify, catalogue, and manage abandoned properties more efficiently. This approach enables councils to streamline enforcement actions, prioritise properties for revitalisation, and more accurately allocate resources.
Potential Impact: Digital mapping can make it easier for councils to coordinate revitalisation projects and reduce time delays. Such initiatives can also foster transparency by keeping communities informed about efforts to address empty properties in their areas.
Conclusion: A Path to a New Future for the UK’s Abandoned Properties
Abandoned properties in the UK remain a complex challenge with roots in economic shifts, legal complications, and ownership dynamics. Yet, with a blend of government policies, tax incentives, community involvement, and technology, there are multiple avenues for addressing this issue. While progress may be gradual, these efforts show promise for reclaiming empty properties, alleviating housing shortages, and restoring a sense of pride and purpose to neglected areas.
In the future, perhaps more abandoned properties will be transformed from forgotten relics into valuable assets, serving as homes, community spaces, and living histories that connect the UK’s past with its potential-filled present. For more, please see our supplier page with Chronicle Law, our other blogs and follow us on LinkedIn.