Did you hear BBC Radio 4’s “More or Less – The Stats of The Nation” on Wednesday morning? It dealt with a listener’s question as to the number of Empty Homes in England and whether the existing (empty) housing stock could partially defray the need for the government to build to its target of 1.5 million new properties by the end of the parliament.
The presenter categorised empty homes: empty under and over six months, empty new builds, those enjoying council tax exemptions and those liable for premiums etc. I found it an interesting listen and if you like you can pick it up on BBC Sounds here.
Of course dealing with empty homes isn’t going to solve the housing crisis overnight but the programme did remind me of the different problems that empty homes professionals at councils and elsewhere ask us for help with - and every day we can help anyone BEHBIU* is a good day in the office.
Here’s a quick reminder of some of the ways we can help, all at no charge to the council:
Tracing absent owners of empty homes to their new address, including overseas. We’ll usually be back to you with the info in less than 24 hours, sometimes in a few minutes.
Where owners deceased, identifying and tracing their next of kin or executors so that probate can be can be dealt with and any indebtedness to the council (e.g. for WIDs, council tax, care fees, you name it) settled as soon as possible.
Confirming the status of properties on your CT exemption “F” list – this is often a very quick win for councils with more-or-less immediate CT income arising as a direct result of the exercise.
Assisting with properties stuck in “probate hell”. Many empty homes folk tell me that they have deceased owner cases where the next of kin or executors can’t be found or simply will not get on with the probate, leading to years-long delays. We’re accustomed to cases like this and have the ability and willingness to move them forward towards completion.
I should add that everything we do complies with UKGDPR and all our case managers are regulated by CILEX Regulators (CILEX is the Chartered Institute of legal Executives), a regulator with statutory force which provides external oversight of our work.
This list isn’t exhaustive and, if you could use help with a problematic empty where the identity and / or whereabouts of the owner isn’t 100% clear, or would like to informally discuss CT exemption “F” or anything else, I’m sure we can help. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch: we’re here to help you as you BEHBIU*. You can reach me via [email protected] or on 07850 739812.
With kind regards and best wishes for 2026 from all of us at Fraser and Fraser.
*You know – Bring Empty Homes Back Into Use
