Empty homes on the increase

Monday, November 23rd 2009

The number of private homes that have been empty for over six months has risen, according to new research.

Statistics from Halifax show that there were 303,285 long-term empty homes in England in April 2008 - the first time this figure has surpassed the 300,000 mark in five years.

Empty homes accounted for 1.6 per cent of all privately-owned residences last year.

In total, there were 613,270 empty properties - including those left vacant for less than six months - in April 2008.

Suren Thiru, economist at Halifax, said the figures are "concerning".

"In many cases, high levels of long-term empty homes reflect relatively high levels of deprivation, low average earnings and high unemployment," the expert remarked.

The figures come following several months of consecutive house price rises due to a lack of supply of available properties for sale.

According to the National Association of Estate Agents, there were five house hunters for every available property in October.