BASILDON Council is joining local authorities across the country in supporting National Empty Homes Week 2026 (Monday 9 March to Sunday 15 March), shining a spotlight on the work underway in the borough to bring long-term empty properties back into use and transform them into homes for residents in need.
Led nationally by housing charity Action on Empty Homes, the week highlights the growing number of vacant properties at a time of acute housing demand. Across the country, long-term empty homes defined as properties vacant for more than six months are at their highest level since 2011, rising by 14% in the past year alone.
In Basildon Borough, there were 765 long-term empty properties in 2025, alongside 264 second homes (furnished properties with no main resident).
Empty homes are more than unused buildings. Left unchecked, they can attract vandalism, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, affecting neighbours and the wider community. At the same time, they represent a missed opportunity to provide secure and sustainable housing.
Properties left empty for more than 12 months are subject to a Council Tax premium, although exemptions apply in certain circumstances, such as when the owner has moved into permanent care or the property is awaiting probate.
Since appointing a dedicated Empty Homes Officer in 2023, the council has worked proactively with owners through advice, negotiation and, where necessary, formal enforcement action.
This year’s theme: “Homes into Hope – Impact in our Communities”, highlights the positive difference that bringing empty homes back into use can make – not only by increasing housing supply, but by revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting more sustainable, low-carbon living.
In Basildon, this commitment is already delivering tangible results.
Case Study: Laindon three-bedroom home brought back after five years
A three-bedroom end-of-terrace property in Laindon had stood vacant for more than five years.
Following investigations, the council’s Empty Homes Officer made contact with the owner, who had not visited the property during that time and had no clear plans for its future.
A site visit revealed that neighbouring properties had unlawfully connected to the home’s electricity supply and the rear garden was being used for fly-tipping, significantly worsening its condition and impact on the area.
With support and guidance from the council, the owner resolved these issues, secured the property and completed necessary repairs. The home has now been let to a secure tenant, improving both housing supply and neighbourhood safety.
Cllr Adele Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Infrastructure, said:
“Empty homes are always difficult for local residents to see, particularly when so many people are looking for somewhere to live. A home standing empty for years can have a real impact on the street and the neighbourhood around it.
“In Basildon we take a practical and supportive approach. Our Empty Homes Officer works directly with owners and organisations to help bring properties back into use, offering advice and support where it’s needed.
“The examples we are highlighting this week show what can be achieved when we work together to find solutions. Bringing empty homes back into use helps provide homes for local people and makes a real difference to our communities.”
Residents concerned about empty properties in their area, or owners seeking advice on bringing a property back into use, are encouraged to contact Basildon Council for support and guidance.
Report a suspected empty home here: https://www.basildon.gov.uk/article/10559/Report-a-suspected-Empty-Home
