Ipswich Borough Council is marking National Empty Homes Week 2026 (2 March – 8 March) by announcing that 14 long term empty homes have been returned to use over the past year, helping to increase the supply of available housing across the borough.
The Council’s work in this area is guided by its Empty Homes Policy, which sets out a clear and transparent approach for engaging with owners of long‑term vacant properties. While many homes are empty for legitimate reasons, the Council identifies those that should not remain unused and prioritises its efforts accordingly. The policy places a strong emphasis on support—offering advice, practical guidance, and assistance to help owners bring their properties back into occupation as quickly and effectively as possible.
A key element of the Council’s approach is the use of long‑term empty property council tax premiums, which help identify properties that have been left vacant and provide a strong incentive for owners to take action. Recent national changes allow councils to charge a premium once a property has been empty for one year, with higher premiums applying the longer a home remains unused. This encourages owners to repair, sell, rent out or otherwise bring empty homes back into use, reducing the number of dwellings standing empty for prolonged periods.
Councillor John Cook, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, said: “There is a real need for good‑quality housing in Ipswich, and every home brought back into use makes a difference. Our approach is supportive and proactive, working with owners to find practical solutions that benefit both them and the wider community.”
Returning empty homes to use brings multiple benefits, including:
- Increasing the availability of much‑needed housing
- Improving the appearance and safety of neighbourhoods
- Reducing nuisance and anti‑social behaviour linked to abandoned buildings
- Supporting local trades and contractors through renovation work
Ipswich Borough Council will continue its proactive approach throughout the coming year, engaging with owners and prioritising properties that have the greatest impact on local communities.
For more information about the Council’s work on empty homes or to report a property of concern, residents can contact the Council’s Private Sector Housing team.