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North East England Homes Empty: Numbers Rise
29 Nov
Summary
- Over 1,000 empty homes recorded in north-east England this year.
- North East's rise in empty homes is the smallest across England.
- Middlesbrough has the highest rate of empty homes per 1,000 people.
In north-east England, there has been an increase of over 1,000 long-term empty homes in the last year. This represents the smallest rise in vacant properties compared to any other region across England, where the national increase stands at 14%. Currently, the region has 18,164 homes empty for more than six months, up from 16,979 the previous year.
Local authorities in the North East have pledged to use every available tool to bring these properties back into use. Middlesbrough recorded the highest number of empty homes per 1,000 residents at 9.7, while North Tyneside had the lowest at 3.9. Notably, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool have successfully decreased their numbers of empty homes.
Action on Empty Homes highlighted that these vacant properties present a significant opportunity. The government has empowered councils with stronger powers to increase council tax on long-term empty homes, with further actions being considered if necessary to address the persistent issue of housing vacancies.
