World Homelessness Day (10 October) raises a pressing question for Harrow: how can empty properties help families struggling to find a safe, affordable home? Harrow Council recorded 1,361 households in temporary accommodation at the end of March 2025, while government statistics show more than 303,000 long-term vacant homes across England in October 2025. These figures underline the need to make better use of existing housing alongside building more affordable homes.
Harrow’s housing shortage is stark. Its July 2025 figures show more than 2,100 households waiting for social housing, against approximately 280 lettings annually. For three-bedroom homes, 636 households were waiting, with only 31 lettings a year on average; for four-bedroom homes, 192 households competed for just one annual letting. Larger families face particularly limited prospects of securing suitable accommodation.
The Labour government’s stronger empty-home powers are therefore welcome. Reforms announced on 27 September would reduce the vacancy period required for an Empty Dwelling Management Order from two years to six months and simplify applications. These orders allow councils to manage properties and return them to occupation for up to seven years, while ownership remains with the owner. Their value will depend on councils having the resources and expertise to use them effectively.
Harrow already offers grants of up to £15,000, subject to funding, to make empty properties suitable for a three-year letting agreement through Help2Let. It also doubles council tax on qualifying homes empty for at least one year, with higher charges after five and ten years. The council reports purchasing 25 local homes during 2024/25 for families in need, mainly two- and three-bedroom properties. These measures deserve recognition, but residents need evidence of their combined impact on housing need.
Harrow’s homelessness strategy includes a commitment to develop an approach to empty homes. The council should publish the number of long-term vacant properties, how many are suitable for intervention, annual recovery targets and results. Crucially, it should explain how many recovered homes provide affordable, secure accommodation for households facing homelessness. Returning a property to the market achieves little for these families if its rent remains beyond their reach.
Some properties require substantial repairs or involve legal complications, so assistance and proportionate enforcement must work together. World Homelessness Day should lead to a funded plan with clear responsibility and a timetable. For Harrow’s families, success means fewer years waiting and a safe home they can afford.
Harrow’s housing shortage is stark. Its July 2025 figures show more than 2,100 households waiting for social housing, against approximately 280 lettings annually. For three-bedroom homes, 636 households were waiting, with only 31 lettings a year on average; for four-bedroom homes, 192 households competed for just one annual letting. Larger families face particularly limited prospects of securing suitable accommodation.
The Labour government’s stronger empty-home powers are therefore welcome. Reforms announced on 27 September would reduce the vacancy period required for an Empty Dwelling Management Order from two years to six months and simplify applications. These orders allow councils to manage properties and return them to occupation for up to seven years, while ownership remains with the owner. Their value will depend on councils having the resources and expertise to use them effectively.
Harrow already offers grants of up to £15,000, subject to funding, to make empty properties suitable for a three-year letting agreement through Help2Let. It also doubles council tax on qualifying homes empty for at least one year, with higher charges after five and ten years. The council reports purchasing 25 local homes during 2024/25 for families in need, mainly two- and three-bedroom properties. These measures deserve recognition, but residents need evidence of their combined impact on housing need.
Harrow’s homelessness strategy includes a commitment to develop an approach to empty homes. The council should publish the number of long-term vacant properties, how many are suitable for intervention, annual recovery targets and results. Crucially, it should explain how many recovered homes provide affordable, secure accommodation for households facing homelessness. Returning a property to the market achieves little for these families if its rent remains beyond their reach.
Some properties require substantial repairs or involve legal complications, so assistance and proportionate enforcement must work together. World Homelessness Day should lead to a funded plan with clear responsibility and a timetable. For Harrow’s families, success means fewer years waiting and a safe home they can afford.