Collaboration with owners sees more than 70 properties brought back into use
New data reveals that Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has seen more long-term empty homes brought back into use, than any other council in Kent.
Government figures for 2024 highlight how the council’s focus on working closely with property owners is giving empty homes a new lease of life and providing a much-needed boost for local communities.
At the end of 2024, there were a total of 7,500 properties lying vacant for six months or more in Kent. Some borough councils saw an annual increase of over 350 dwellings left unoccupied long-term, while Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council bucked the trend and saw a reduction from 489 to 413 – that’s 76 homes brought back into use. The next highest improver in Kent was Dover with a reduction of 44 empty homes.
Vacant properties can have a negative impact on a street or local area. Houses that are left unoccupied for a long time often fall into disrepair and can attract vandalism or criminal behaviour and dent neighbouring property values.
Council tax is still payable on empty properties in the borough and there is a premium council tax rate for those left uninhabited for over a year.
Recently teams at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council have been tracking down the owners of flats and homes left empty for six months or more, offering help and advice about how to bring their properties back into use.
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council cabinet member for housing, Cllr Kim Tanner, said: “These figures are good to see and come after months of hard work and collaboration, between internal teams at the council and property owners.
“We know there’s a high demand for places to live in the borough and by working together we are helping to maximise the use of housing stock, which is good for local people, our communities and our local economy.
“There’s always more we can do, but we are pleased that this initiative has helped to release new housing and help many people find a place they can call home.”
The council plans to build on its approach with further work to continue bringing more homes back into use over the coming year.