Empty Property Owners Face Higher Costs and Potential New Council Powers
UKPulse Property Desk
Owners of empty properties may face increased costs due to higher energy bills, council tax premiums, and insurance conditions, alongside proposed new powers for councils to manage long-term empty homes.
- Owners of empty properties may face higher energy bills to prevent damage, increased council tax premiums, and additional insurance conditions.
- The number of people prosecuted for residential squatting in England and Wales rose to 51 in the year to March 2026, up from 26 the previous year.
- Plans are in discussion to grant councils greater authority to manage long-term empty homes.
Owners of empty properties could face increased financial pressures this winter due to higher energy bills and potential council tax premiums. Shorter days and colder temperatures are expected to lead to greater energy use, adding to existing higher prices.
An empty property can incur various costs, including mortgage repayments, additional insurance, and maintenance to prevent issues like squatting or vandalism. Ministry of Justice figures show that 51 people were prosecuted for residential squatting in England and Wales in the year to March 2026, an increase from 26 in the previous year.
Furthermore, there are discussions about plans to give councils greater powers to take over the management of long-term empty homes. This comes as owners face a choice between spending more to protect an empty property or risking damage that could reduce its value.
Why this matters: The rising costs and potential new council powers could significantly impact individuals who own empty properties, potentially turning assets into liabilities.
What this means for you: If you own an empty property, you may face higher energy bills, increased council tax, and additional insurance requirements. There is also a potential for councils to gain more powers over long-term empty homes.