Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Put empty homes up for sale – IPPR

by Lamiat Sabin

THE housing crisis could be eased by forcing almost a quarter of a million empty homes back on to the market, a leading think tank said yesterday.

While at least 1.4 million people languish on social housing waiting lists, 218,000 properties in England have lain unoccupied for longer than six months, according to IPPR North.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
An aerial view of housing in south west London, July 31, 2026
Housing Crisis / 25 August 2026
25 August 2026

Social Housing Action Campaign blasts PM’s decision to break commitment to allocate 100% of Affordable Homes Programme to social rents

John Wheatley. Photo: wellcomeimages.org/CC
Features / 22 November 2025
22 November 2025

Building is the solution for much of our housing crisis – and will also help to address poverty, ill health, and even anti-social behaviour and alienation, writes KENNY MacASKILL