EHN Conference 2025: Biggest event yet signals rising momentum for empty homes action

The Empty Homes Network National Conference returned on 21st May 2025 with its largest and most well-attended event to date. Bringing together over 150 professionals from councils, housing associations, and partner organisations, the day was a clear sign of the growing appetite and energy across the country for tackling empty homes.

From first-time delegates to long-standing members, the event offered a packed programme of learning, practical insights, and peer support, all focused on increasing efforts to bring empty properties back into use.

A Focus on Doing More, Better

This year’s sessions responded directly to the changing needs of the sector. From practical advice on structuring successful empty homes services to real-world case studies demonstrating high-impact local authority action, attendees were given both the inspiration and tools to scale up their work.

Throughout the day, delegates commented on how valuable it was to hear directly from those doing the work, learning from both successes and setbacks.

Appetite for Action

What came through loud and clear was the increasing determination across councils to scale up empty homes activity. Attendees spoke of rising internal interest from senior leadership, new political backing, and greater ambition to deliver results.

EHN Secretary & Policy Lead Adam Cliff said:

“We’re seeing a real turning point. The scale of attendance and engagement at this year’s conference shows that empty homes work is no longer a niche issue, it’s rising up the agenda in central government and local authorities right across the UK.”

What’s Next?

Resources from the day, including presentation slides and the full EHN Guidebook, will be available to members via our website shortly.

For those who couldn’t join us this time, we’re already looking ahead to future events and opportunities to continue this momentum. The energy in the room this year was unmistakable, and we’re excited to see what comes next.