Why are they empty?

Lorna Blackwood investigates the mystery of the UK’s million vacant homes

THE urgent need to build more homes is exercising industry experts, homeowners and officials across the country. Undersupply is blamed for fuelling the massive price rises in recent years, which have pushed home-ownership out of the reach for many.

The Times, 19 Oct 2007

But, as the Government cajoles housing associations, developers and councils to get three million new homes built by 2020, questions are being raised about the number of buildings that lie empty.

The Government signalled its determination to tackle the issue in the Chancellor’s PreBudget Report, which promised measures to help to bring empty homes back into use.

Details of the scheme were sparse. Bricks and Mortar spoke to industry experts to find out what it means for householders - full article