The Empty Homes Network are delighted to announce the programme for our 2026 Conference, bringing together leading experts, practitioners and innovators from across the UK and Ireland to explore how empty homes can be brought back into use.
This year’s programme offers a powerful mix of policy insight, practical case studies, technical expertise and interactive discussion, making it an essential event for anyone working to tackle vacancy and housing need.
Ireland's Empty Homes Challenge - And What's Working
We are pleased to welcome Tom Gilligan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council, who will share an overview of Ireland’s empty homes challenge. Drawing on frontline experience, Tom will discuss what is genuinely working on the ground, from partnership models to policy supports, and how local authorities are successfully turning empty properties back into homes and revitalising communities.
What’s in your Toolkit? – Supporting Empty Homes Investigations
Lavinia Ferguson-Dean from the National Anti-Fraud Network will lead a session on the tools available to support empty homes investigations. Attendees will gain insight into current NAFN services and will have a unique opportunity to shape the development of a new Batch Empty Homes service, being created in collaboration with Experian. This session offers a rare chance to influence future national practice.
From Derelict to Dynamic: How Education Partnerships Can Save Forgotten Buildings
In an inspiring case study, Amanda Nicols-Polinska and Mark Bradshaw will share how Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust and Northampton College have partnered to regenerate a derelict 19th-century cottage on the historic Delapré Abbey Estate. Their pioneering approach demonstrates how education, heritage and public sector collaboration can unlock neglected assets, develop skills, and create long-term social value.
Unlocking empty homes: using social impact investment to tackle homelessness
John Williams, Managing Director of Property Funds at Resonance, will explore how social impact investment can be used to bring empty homes back into use while tackling homelessness. This session will examine how partnerships between councils, investors and housing providers can reduce reliance on expensive temporary accommodation and deliver sustainable housing solutions.
Empty Homes and Community Regeneration: How can local authorities and third sector organisations collaborate to bring empty homes back into use?
Bex Betton, Funding and Development Manager at The Community Impact Initiative C.I.C., will share powerful case studies showing how long-term empty homes can be regenerated alongside community support. Her session will highlight how collaborative projects can improve wellbeing, develop skills, and create real pathways into employment for people facing hardship.
Empty Homes Enforcement: Your Questions Answered
The programme also includes a highly popular open forum with Andrew Lavender, Housing Training and Law Consultant. This Enforcement Q&A session gives delegates the opportunity to discuss real-life case studies, explore legal options, and ask practical questions about enforcement strategies in a supportive, expert-led environment.
Further sessions to be announced
Our already packed schedule is continually being reviewed, and will be added to further in the coming weeks, with more sessions planned, and the return of our popular 1-2-1 surgery sessions, with legal and enforcement experts.
Keep checking back on our dedicated Conference webpage here, for further information.
An Essential Event for Empty Homes Practitioners
With sessions covering policy, investment, enforcement, data, heritage, education and community regeneration, the 2026 Conference offers something for everyone working in this field.
Whether you are an empty homes officer, housing professional, policymaker, funder or community partner, this year’s programme is designed to equip you with new ideas, practical tools and valuable connections.
Places are limited, and demand is expected to be high.
We encourage delegates to book early to secure their place and be part of this vital national conversation on bringing empty homes back into use.
Booking & Cost
Prices remain the same as 2024 and 2025. Delegates will again have the option to include their 2026/27 EHN Membership as part of the booking process.
As before, we offer tiered rates to reflect different types of organisations (e.g. not-for-profit, corporate, local authority). (On previous years, rates started from £95 for not-for-profit organisations, with a corporate delegate rate of £150 and discounted rates for additional delegates from the same organisation.)
To book your place, simply complete the below conference booking form and email it to [email protected].
We are pleased to confirm that Fraser & Fraser will again be supporting the 2026 Conference as headline sponsor, helping us keep delegate rates affordable and enabling us to deliver a high-quality, sector-leading event.
We look forward to welcoming you to Birmingham in May 2026, a day of learning, collaboration and commitment to putting empty homes back into use for those who need them most.
Please stay tuned to our website and member bulletins for upcoming detail on the programme, speakers and award nomination submissions.
