Halifax raises concerns about empty homes

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Halifax raises concerns about empty homes

Tue 11th Dec 2007

Halifax has drawn attention to the high number of UK homes that have remained vacant for over six months, calling on the government to do more for this situation.

The bank made its comments following the recent Empty Homes Nation Week of Action, which took place from December 3rd to 7th.

According to figures from Halifax, house prices are 17 per cent less in areas with a high proportion of empty houses, while 22 per cent of Britons who live near an empty property believe it has had a negative impact on the value of their home.

Jaedon Green, head of mortgage product development at Halifax, commented: "The number of empty homes in England has fallen by nearly 20,000 over the past three years but more needs to be done.

"One in four people continue to be directly affected by an empty house which they believe has a negative impact on the value of property, their enjoyment of the area and levels of crime."

According to the most recent Halifax House Price Index, prices fell by 1.1 per cent in November.

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