The Empty Homes Network is proud to support the launch of World Vacant Homes Day, a new international awareness initiative led by Tom Gilligan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council, Ireland.
Taking place for the first time on 8th October 2025, the day will shine a spotlight on the global challenge of long-term vacant residential properties, and the opportunities they offer for boosting housing supply, regenerating communities, and promoting sustainable development.
Why a World Vacant Homes Day?
Vacant housing is a shared challenge across many nations. In Ireland alone, the 2022 Census recorded 163,433 vacant homes. Even returning a fraction of these to use could make a significant difference to housing availability.
Globally, the figures are even more striking:
Japan: over 8.5 million vacant homes
United States: around 14.9 million vacant or underused dwellings
By dedicating one day each year to this issue, the campaign aims to:
Raise public awareness and understanding
Encourage collaborative, cross-border solutions
Support national and local regeneration goals
Inspire practical action from governments, communities, and individuals
Why 8th October?
The date was chosen to align symbolically with other global observances and housing conversations:
Falls within Urban October, UN-Habitat’s month-long campaign on sustainable urban development
Close to World Habitat Day (first Monday in October)
Positioned between World Cotton Day (7th) and World Post Day (9th), without competing with other major observances
This timing ensures the campaign benefits from the heightened global focus on housing rights, inclusion, and sustainable development during October.
How the Day Will Be Marked?
World Vacant Homes Day will be driven by international partnerships, bringing together Empty Homes Networks, housing bodies, NGOs, and community groups. Activities will include:
Shared resources and media campaigns
Political, community, and social outreach
Case studies showcasing successful vacant home reuse
Events to highlight the scale and impact of vacancy across nations
The aim is to build a truly global movement — one that recognises the economic, environmental, and social value of bringing empty homes back into use, rather than relying solely on new construction.
A Global Call to Action
Launching this October, World Vacant Homes Day invites governments, councils, housing professionals, and community members to work together in tackling vacancy. With coordinated effort, we can transform underused housing into thriving homes and vibrant neighbourhoods.
For further information, please keep an eye on the Empty Homes Network website, or contact [email protected], or [email protected]
