Burnham gives councils more powers to ‘seize’ empty homes
Summary
The government plans to reform Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) so councils can intervene sooner in long-term empty homes, reducing the vacancy threshold from two years to six months and simplifying the tribunal application process. The article also reports a separate first-time buyer equity loan scheme for England, aimed at supporting new-build purchases and stimulating housing supply.
Why it matters
For residential property surveyors, the EDMO changes may increase local authority intervention in vacant stock and raise the likelihood of inspections, repair works and disrepair-related issues. The first-time buyer scheme may also influence demand for new-build housing and affect valuation and market activity in that segment.
Key points
- EDMOs would be available after six months of vacancy instead of two years.
- Councils would have a simpler route to apply through the Residential Property Tribunal.
- The government says the reforms are intended to bring empty homes back into use and reduce disrepair.
- A new England-only equity loan scheme, Your First Home, is proposed for first-time buyers of new-build homes.
- Further details on costs and implementation are due at the Budget next month.
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