# UK housing reforms for vacant properties

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-housing-reforms-for-vacant-properties
> Updated: 2026-10-15T08:18:25.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The UK government has introduced reforms to Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) to address the housing shortage in England. These reforms aim to empower local councils to manage long-term vacant properties, which saw a 13% increase last year to over 300,000 homes.

Key changes include reducing the qualifying period for a property to be considered vacant from two years to six months. The government is also simplifying the application process by removing requirements for councils to demonstrate specific issues, such as anti-social behavior, before seeking an order. While the orders allow authorities to manage and rent out properties for up to seven years, the legal title remains with the owner.

The policy has faced criticism from opposition figures who describe it as an “erosion of private property rights” and an “overreach of state authority.”

## Timeline

### 2026-10-15: England implements housing reforms to tackle long-term empty properties

England is reforming Empty Dwelling Management Orders to tackle rising property vacancies, while Wandsworth Council establishes a new Housing Directorate to manage rising temporary accommodation costs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/england-implements-housing-reforms-to-tackle-long-term-empty-properties

### 2026-09-28: UK government expands council powers over empty homes

The UK government plans to allow English councils to take management control of private homes left empty for six months to combat the housing crisis, sparking debate over property rights.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-government-expands-council-powers-over-empty-homes

---
Cite as: UK housing reforms for vacant properties. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-housing-reforms-for-vacant-properties