Empty homes are on the rise. So why aren't they being used to solve the housing shortage?

Empty homes are a growing issue in England, with approximately 720,000 vacant homes across the country. Despite efforts to incentivize bringing them back into use, such as grants and loans, the uptake remains low. Long-term empty homes, which make up around 265,000 properties, can negatively impact communities, leading to anti-social behavior and reduced area values. Various factors contribute to this problem, including probate delays and difficulties in tracking down owners. The government and councils are urged to take stronger actions, such as implementing tax relief for buyers and establishing a statutory duty for councils to address empty homes, to tackle the housing shortage and homelessness crisis.