Private rental properties lying empty for more than six months could be taken over by the local authority.
At least, that could be the case in one London borough where council official have asked for a fast-track Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO).
Under the current Housing Act legislation, which was introduced in 2004, councils are permitted to apply for possession of an empty private rental property after a period of two years.
Westminster Council targets wealthy overseas investors
But Westminster Council, which states it has more than 1500 private rental properties lying empty, says that timeframe is too long and is urging the government to update their policy. The majority of empty homes in the district belong to wealthy overseas buyers.
The government, for its part, is keen to support local authorities looking to free up empty properties for rent. As the law currently sits, councils who want to repossess a property can apply to a Residential Property Tribunal after it has been vacant for at least two years.
New Build Homes figures ‘up’ on previous year
Meanwhile, the government’s aim to build new homes to help local authority housing supplies, is ploughing ahead. Around 31,770 properties were completed between October and December 2024.
That was up 32% on the same time the previous year. It was, however, lower than the previous quarter (July to September) when 14% more (37,070) homes were delivered. The pledge of the current Labour government is to build 1.5m homes by 2030.
To achieve this, Housing secretary Angela Raynor intends to scrap a number of statutory consultations for large developments. This means new road, rail, energy and other infrastructure projects, could be completed quicker.
Referring to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is currently under consideration by Parliament, the deputy prime minister said: “Critical national infrastructure is key to Britain’s future and security – so we can’t afford to have projects held up by tiresome requirements and uncertainty, caused by a system that is not working for communities or developers and holding back our true potential.”