Bringing empty homes back into use 

Work is continuing to bring empty privately owned homes in the city back into use. 

In 2024/25, the council was involved in helping to bring 145 empty private-sector homes back into occupation. 

With high demand for housing in the city and a shortage of accommodation, we’re encouraging residents to tell us if a property you live near has become empty or derelict. 

World Vacant Homes Day  

8 October 2025 has been designated World Vacant Homes Day, a new international  initiative to raise awareness and encourage action to bring long-term vacant residential properties back into use. 

Locally, latest figures show  968 homes in Brighton & Hove have been vacant for longer than 12 months and classified as long-term empty. This does not include second homes or those going through the probate process.

Working with owners and neighbours 

There can be complex and personal reasons why people leave a property empty, and the council’s Empty Properties Team works with owners to offer advice and support to help them bring their properties back into use.  

Increased council tax premiums on empty properties are also helping to discourage homes being left unoccupied. 

The team also responds to concerns from neighbours, for example, if a garden at an empty property has become badly overgrown, or a property has become a target for anti-social behaviour. 

If necessary, as a last resort, the council can take enforcement action to bring an empty property back into use, if it is having a serious impact on a neighbouring property or a community as a whole. 

If you own an empty property find out more about the options available to bring it back into use 

Council Tax premiums on empty and second homes 

A 100% council tax premium is now applied to unfurnished properties left empty for a year. 

This was introduced in April 2024 and means unfurnished empty homes are now liable for double council tax after being empty for one year. This increases to 3 times council tax liability after 5 years and 4 times for properties that have been empty for 10 years. 

If a property is empty and furnished, a second home, or a furnished let, changes introduced by the council in April this year mean an extra council tax charge of 100% is payable from the day on which it becomes empty.

Making a difference 

Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “With a shortage of housing in Brighton & Hove, even returning a fraction of empty homes to use can make a significant difference. 

 “Bringing homes back into occupation can change lives by providing people with somewhere to call home and help to transform areas by avoiding the buildings falling into disrepair or attracting anti-social behaviour. 

“If you’re aware of a property in the city that has become empty or derelict, please do let us know."