Unlocking Manchester’s Vacant Homes

Manchester City Council has launched a public consultation on a new Empty Homes Strategy, aimed at finding practical ways to bring unused properties back into use and help meet growing demand for affordable housing across the city.

While new housing development remains a priority, the Council is also focusing on making better use of existing homes. Empty properties represent a missed opportunity, as they could provide secure accommodation, reduce pressure on homelessness services, improve neighbourhoods, and support Manchester’s wider environmental ambitions.

Although the number of long-term empty homes in Manchester is much lower than a decade ago, around 1,500 properties have remained unused for more than six months. Most are privately owned, with some left vacant due to complex circumstances such as unresolved ownership. Bringing these homes back into use forms part of the city’s wider housing strategy to increase the availability of affordable, well-maintained homes.

What the Strategy Aims to Achieve

The proposed Empty Homes Strategy, covering 2026–2032, sets out clear priorities:

• Working with owners to bring empty homes back into use, including for affordable housing
• Increasing the supply of homes to reduce homelessness and reliance on temporary accommodation
• Tackling problem properties that negatively affect neighbours and local areas
• Improving the quality of empty homes through retrofit works, making them warmer, greener, and healthier

How the Council Plans to Deliver

The Council recognises that long-term empty homes often involve complex personal, legal, or financial challenges. Its approach focuses on collaboration, working with homeowners, housing providers, and communities to identify practical solutions.

Support may include helping owners sell or rent their properties, offering leasing arrangements, or providing guidance on bringing homes up to a usable standard. Enforcement action would be considered only where other options have been exhausted.

By taking a balanced and supportive approach, Manchester aims to make better use of existing housing, strengthen neighbourhoods, and ensure more people have access to safe, secure, and affordable homes.