Councils can act on empty homes sooner
Tuesday 13th October, 2026
The UK government will let councils take action on empty homes after six months instead of two years, following campaigning by the Big Issue.
This gives Rightmove a natural chance to join the conversation about bringing unused homes back into the UK’s housing market.
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Why have we flagged this?
The government’s move to let councils intervene sooner on empty homes could affect the supply of homes for sale and rent, giving you an opportunity to share data on empty properties and local market trends.
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Newsjack
Offer free valuations for long-empty homes
Run free valuation sessions with local estate agents to help owners of long-empty homes understand the steps to sell or rent them.
Newsjack angle: You could host a one-day valuation clinic with local agents and pitch it to consumer and housing reporters.
Why: It turns a policy change into practical help for owners and gives journalists a local story with real people at its centre.