Taking action on empty homes and voids is one way for us to deliver on our Lambeth 2030 commitment to make Lambeth ‘a place we can all call home’.
Homes are classified as empty when they remain unoccupied for extended periods of time, or can be considered void when they are between formal tenancies (but are not necessarily empty).
Bringing empty and void homes back into use has significant benefits for residents who go on to occupy these homes, property owners, local neighbourhoods and the wider community.
We know that properties that are empty, or remain void for too long, are a wasted resource and a source of concern and complaint from residents.
They:
- reduce the supply of housing and represent a loss of income for the owner
- are often an eyesore that can blight an area, such as from overgrown gardens, graffiti and fly tipping
- pose environmental and safety risks, including from pests
- can attract antisocial behaviour and criminal activity
- can cause concern to neighbours and the local community
- can affect the value of surrounding properties.
Bringing empty properties back into use is a priority for us as it helps to alleviate some of these issues, as well as increasing the supply of housing.