The UK housing crisis has taken a worrying turn, as analysis by Open Property Group uncovers more than 50,000 homes standing empty for extended periods, while demand for affordable housing continues to climb.
Key facts include:
- 50,000+ long-term vacant homes in England alone
- Over 23,000 of these have been empty for more than two years
- An estimated £13.6 billion of capital tied up in unused properties
- Highest numbers of vacant homes found in London boroughs and northern post-industrial towns
- 60% rise in enquiries from owners of neglected or inherited properties in the last year
Drawing from official government data alongside its own casework, Open Property Group estimates that tens of thousands of homes remain unused due to probate delays, legal entanglements, or absentee owners neglecting maintenance and market re-entry.
While buyers face soaring rents and scarce housing supply, this vast stockpile of “zombie homes” represents a lost opportunity to ease market pressures.
Jason Harris-Cohen, Director of Open Property Group, said:
“While first-time buyers and renters are being priced out, we’re seeing a silent stockpile of empty homes quietly decaying across the UK. Many are caught in probate delays, legal disputes, or simply ignored by owners who don’t want to deal with maintenance and tax penalties.”
He added:
“These figures are a stark reminder of the inefficiencies in our housing system. With over 50,000 homes sitting vacant, and more than 23,000 empty for over two years – it’s clear that valuable housing stock is being left to deteriorate while demand continues to soar. The £13.6 billion in tied-up capital represents both a financial and social loss at a time when affordability is at a breaking point.”
The group has also seen a sharp increase in inquiries from people grappling with inherited or neglected properties, many of whom feel overwhelmed by the complexities involved.
“At Open Property Group, we’ve seen a significant rise in enquiries from people inheriting or struggling with neglected properties. Many are unsure how to proceed or are overwhelmed by the time, cost, and legal complexity involved. That’s where we come in, as a cash house buying company, providing a fast, professional route to unlock and repurpose these ‘zombie homes’ so they can re-enter the market and become homes again.”
Harris-Cohen called on policymakers and local councils to take stronger measures:
“We urge local authorities and policymakers to go further — improve probate efficiency, enforce council tax penalties, and offer real incentives to bring unused properties back to life. Reintroducing even a fraction of these homes could ease pressure in the system and provide hope to many looking for somewhere to call home.”
