"These figures are a stark reminder of the inefficiencies in our housing system. With over 50,000 homes sitting vacant, and more than 23,000 empty for over two years, it’s clear that valuable housing stock is being left to deteriorate while demand continues to soar"
- Jason Harris-Cohen - Open Property Group
More than 50,000 homes across the UK are currently uninhabitable and sitting empty, according to new research by Open Property Group, highlighting a deepening disconnect between housing demand and underutilised property stock.
The company’s review of government data and internal figures indicates that a substantial number of these properties are caught in legal or administrative deadlock. Some are entangled in probate disputes, while others are owned by absentee landlords or investors who have chosen to leave them vacant. In total, over 23,000 homes have remained empty for more than two years.
The analysis estimates that around £13.6 billion in capital is locked in these long-term vacant homes. Many are located in northern post-industrial towns and parts of London, where concentrations of empty properties are notably high.
“While first-time buyers and renters are being priced out, we’re seeing a silent stockpile of empty homes quietly decaying across the UK,” said Jason Harris-Cohen, director at Open Property Group. “Many are caught in probate delays, legal disputes, or simply ignored by owners who don’t want to deal with maintenance and tax penalties.”
He continued, “These figures are a stark reminder of the inefficiencies in our housing system. With over 50,000 homes sitting vacant, and more than 23,000 empty for over two years, it’s clear that valuable housing stock is being left to deteriorate while demand continues to soar. The £13.6 billion in tied-up capital represents both a financial and social loss at a time when affordability is at a breaking point.”
Open Property Group has recorded a 60% increase in enquiries over the past year from individuals who have inherited properties or are dealing with neglected homes. Many of these prospective sellers feel unsure how to proceed, often overwhelmed by the legal and financial complexities involved.
“At Open Property Group, we've seen a significant rise in enquiries from people inheriting or struggling with neglected properties,” Harris-Cohen explained. “Many are unsure how to proceed or are overwhelmed by the time, cost, and legal complexity involved. That’s where we come in, as a cash house buying company, providing a fast, professional route to unlock and repurpose these ‘zombie homes’ so they can re-enter the market and become homes again.”
The group is calling on councils and policymakers to take stronger action. Harris-Cohen urged: “We urge local authorities and policymakers to go further, improve probate efficiency, enforce council tax penalties, and offer real incentives to bring unused properties back to life. Reintroducing even a fraction of these homes could ease pressure in the system and provide hope to many looking for somewhere to call home.”
