Signal New reforms to bring more long-term empty homes back into use

Summary

The UK government announced reforms to Empty Dwelling Management Orders on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. The period a property must stand empty before it becomes eligible for an order falls from two years to six months. These orders let councils take over the management of an empty home and return it to occupation for up to seven years while ownership stays with the owner. Councils will also no longer need to demonstrate anti-social behaviour or community support when applying through the Residential Property Tribunal. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says the changes will let councils act sooner. It adds that earlier action can prevent properties from falling into serious disrepair.