Empty-Home Takeover Reforms
UK Labour plans six-month threshold for empty-home takeovers to boost housing supply
Anonymous
The Labour government plans to let councils seek Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) for homes vacant for six months, down from two years, and to simplify the tribunal application process by removing some evidentiary requirements. EDMOs allow councils to manage and rent out a privately owned property for a limited period, with the aim of returning unused homes to the housing supply and preventing disrepair. Ministers are also considering ways to protect councils from the costs of taking over empty properties; the government says the measures could help address housing need, while a Conservative critic and property campaigners argue they threaten property rights.
Key Points
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One report said there had been no applications for an EDMO since 2021, highlighting how rarely councils have used the existing powers.
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The reforms were presented against the government’s aim of building 1.5 million homes by 2029; the article said there are about 300,000 empty homes across England.
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Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said the government was “reversing the Tories’ damaging changes” and argued that earlier council intervention could return homes to use more quickly and prevent serious disrepair.
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