Britain is facing an empty homes crisis, with more than 676,000 vacant properties across England, according to the latest figures.
Of these, 248,000 are classified as long-term empty homes, having remained unused for over six months, despite the ongoing housing shortage.
Speaking exclusively to GB News in light of the worrying stats, property expert Mish Liyanage proposed a comprehensive strategy to address this issue.
Mish, CEO of Mistoria Estate Agents, said: "Solving the empty homes crisis is both an urgent priority and a transformative opportunity.
'Tens of thousands of homes could be brought back to life, providing stability, opportunity and hope'
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"We need a bold and practical strategy combining incentives, enforcement, technology, and local partnerships."
Mish emphasised that the crisis extends beyond wasted property resources. Sharing his roadmap to success, he stated: "In a country where so many are struggling to find a home, we can't afford to leave hundreds of thousands empty. We have the tools. We have the know-how. Now we need the political will to act.
"With the right policy support, community partnerships and modern technology, tens of thousands of homes could be brought back to life, providing stability, opportunity and hope to those who need it most.
"It's about restoring dignity, reviving neighbourhoods, and rebalancing our housing economy."
Here, the property expert outlined his top strategies for solving the empty homes crisis.
Financial incentives for action
Renovating a long-term vacant property is expensive, and without support, many owners simply leave them to deteriorate.
A mix of low-interest renovation loans, VAT relief on refurbishment, and council tax exemptions for owners who bring properties back into use would help.
These measures would reduce upfront costs and help unlock thousands of homes that are currently sitting idle.
While councils can already impose higher council tax on long-term empty homes that positive financial incentives are more likely to drive meaningful change.
Empowering local authorities
Local authorities already have tools such as Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) and compulsory purchase powers.
Councils need proper funding and legal clarity to act swiftly. The powers are there, but they’re underused.
Far too many councils still rely on outdated methods. Thousands of disused homes remain invisible to the people who could bring them back into use. Visibility will help create accountability.
Community-led regeneration
Across the UK, local organisations are already transforming derelict homes into vibrant spaces for families, key workers and vulnerable individuals.
These projects don't just create housing, they build jobs, skills, pride, and connection. They bring life back to forgotten streets.
Across the country, grassroots organisations are turning disused buildings into homes, often in partnership with councils or housing charities.
In cities like Bristol, housing co-operatives have provided secure accommodation for people who were previously homeless.
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The expert emphasised that 'we can't afford' to leave so many houses empty
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Technology and innovation
From AI-powered mapping to geospatial data and PropTech dashboards, the technology needed to solve this crisis already exists.
Tech can cut costs, speed up inspections and help local teams prioritise action. But we need to scale it properly.
Virtual inspections and remote project tracking tools are already making a difference, helping identify and manage vacant homes more efficiently.
In London, digital auditing platforms have allowed councils to detect potentially empty homes based on low utility usage, with minimal effort.
