Trafford Council’s Empty Homes Initiative: What Property Owners Need to Know

Across the UK, the demand for quality housing continues to grow. Yet thousands of residential properties remain unused. Trafford Council has recently announced a renewed initiative aimed at bringing long-term empty homes back into occupation, helping address housing shortages while supporting property owners.

At ABC+ Warranty, we regularly work with developers, landlords and property owners navigating changing housing policies. Here’s what the new initiative means and how owners may benefit.

The Scale of Empty Homes in Greater Manchester

Recent figures highlight the opportunity available:

• 12,824 homes across Greater Manchester have been empty for more than six months 
• 1,262 properties in Trafford alone fall into this category 

These numbers illustrate a significant untapped housing resource within established communities. Rather than building new homes alone, local authorities are increasingly focusing on bringing existing properties back into use.

What Is the Empty Homes and Leasing Scheme?

The initiative forms part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Empty Homes and Leasing Scheme, supported by nearly £500,000 of funding allocated to Trafford.

Key elements of the scheme include:

• Dedicated empty homes officers working directly with property owners
• Support to overcome barriers preventing occupation
• Leasing opportunities with the Council
• Access to repair grant funding where appropriate

The programme aims to deliver both social value, by increasing available housing, and financial sustainability for the local authority.

Who Is the Council Looking to Work With?

Trafford Council is encouraging conversations with a wide range of property owners, including:

• Families managing inherited properties 
• Owners of second homes no longer in use 
• Private or social landlords 
• “Accidental landlords” whose circumstances have changed 

Homes must generally have been empty for six months or more, with two- and three-bedroom properties currently in highest demand.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the Council intends to assess each property individually and help resolve common issues such as:

• Probate or inheritance delays 
• Property condition concerns 
• Financial or management challenges 

Why Empty Homes Are Becoming a National Priority

Local authorities across the UK are placing greater emphasis on reducing long-term vacancy levels. Empty properties can:

• Contribute to local housing shortages 
• Affect neighbourhood appearance and community wellbeing 
• Create maintenance and insurance risks for owners 

Initiatives like Trafford’s reflect a wider shift toward making better use of existing housing stock alongside new development.

A Growing Opportunity for the Property Sector

From a wider industry perspective, empty homes initiatives create opportunities for:

• Property refurbishment projects 
• Improved housing supply without new land development 
• Stronger collaboration between councils and private owners 

As housing demand continues to outpace supply, programmes focused on existing properties are likely to become more common across Greater Manchester and beyond.

How to Get Involved

Property owners who have, or are aware of, a long-term empty home in Trafford can contact the Council’s estates team directly: estates@trafford.gov.uk

Early engagement allows owners to understand available options and explore whether leasing or renovation support may be suitable.