Huge number of homes lying unoccupied in England

Posted under General by Jermaine

The findings of the fifth annual survey of Empty Homes in England conducted by Halifax revealed that more than 2.5 million properties in the country were unoccupied.

According to the survey data, reduction in number of empty private homes was near about 9%, from 308,438 in 2003 to 279,281 in April 2007.

Halifax’s chief economist, Martin Ellis, was happy to see the fall in numbers. He commented that reduction of nearly a tenth in the empty houses in England over four years was highly encouraging.

But for him it was a matter of great concern that number of areas, particularly in the north of England were having significant number of homes unoccupied. In some areas the proportion of unoccupied homes was double the national average, Ellis added.

The alarming results, at a time when people were unable to get accommodation or buy property due to acute credit crunch, speaks volumes on gloom in the property market and economy.

The findings of the survey have been announced before commencement of Empty Homes National Week of Action in this month from 24 November to 28th.

Halifax urged extension of 5% rate of VAT for restoration of UK property for all homes which remain empty for more than 6 months.

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