As house prices soar and demand for affordable housing outpaces supply, new data analysis by Open Property Group has revealed a concerning trend: more than 50,000 homes across England are sitting vacant long-term — many for several years — while buyers struggle to get on the property ladder.
Key takeaways:
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Over 50,000 long-term vacant homes identified across England
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23,000+ properties have stood empty for more than two years
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Estimated £13.6 billion of housing capital tied up in these homes
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Highest numbers found in London boroughs and post-industrial towns in the North
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60% increase in enquiries from owners of abandoned or inherited homes over the past year
Open Property Group’s review of government housing data, combined with their own case history, paints a picture of widespread underutilisation. Many properties are described as “zombie homes” — uninhabitable and left to deteriorate, often due to complex legal or inheritance issues.
While first-time buyers face limited options and rising rents, tens of thousands of houses remain unoccupied. Open Property Group warns that this reflects serious inefficiencies in how vacant homes are managed, taxed, and brought back into use.
Jason Harris-Cohen, Director of Open Property Group, commented:
“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 continued:
“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 company reports a growing number of homeowners unsure of how to deal with properties left to them through inheritance or simply neglected over time.
“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 also called for greater government intervention to address the growing backlog.
“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.”
