Renovating empty properties
can strengthen communities
Currently, there are over one million people
on the waiting list for social homes as
housebuilders struggle to keep up with
the nationwide demand. Alongside this,
homelessness is rising, with more individuals
and families than ever before being placed
into substandard temporary accommodation.
There are more than 600,000 empty
properties across the UK, which poses the
inevitable question of why these vacant
buildings are being overlooked in favour of
new build projects.
Increasing affordable housing
Primarily, empty homes can also be used to
provide housing relief to those in need. That’s
why HS Property Group works collaboratively
with landlords and housing providers to
refurbish properties for individuals and
families who don’t have a place to call home.
8 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk
This social housing crisis, where demand far
surpasses stock, has contributed to increased
homelessness and poverty in recent years.
Transforming unoccupied buildings into
high quality homes for housing associations
increases the amount of affordable and social
rent homes available, helping those on lower
incomes to access stable, affordable housing.
Delivering temporary accommodation
In 2018, 78,000 people required access to
short-term housing in the UK, a huge 60%
increase since 2012. Without question, this is
an area where the current housing market is
falling short.
Converting empty properties into temporary
accommodation can help to provide
assistance for struggling residents. For
example, we manage empty properties on
behalf of landlords and bring them back to use
as short-term housing for vulnerable people.
Guy Horne, co-founder of HS Property Group