Low Use Homes in Sheffield
Summary of the Report
- One of the most prevalent issues in the housing sector has been the increase in the number of properties that are either empty or underutilised. This has been particularly evident in both the UK as a whole and in Sheffield since the conclusion of the Empty Homes Programme in 2015.
- The categorisation and definition of properties that are considered to be empty or low-use is a complex and multifaceted issue. A variety of property types may be considered as examples of empty or low-use properties, including those that have been unoccupied for a period of time, those that are used as second homes, and those that are let on a short-term basis. Although the properties in question are categorised under different names, the underlying issue is often a lack of affordable housing options for local residents who require rental or purchase accommodation.
- The report estimates that there are approximately seven thousand properties in Sheffield that are currently out of the market, due to a variety of reasons including low occupancy or vacancy rates. Although the proportion of properties in this situation is not as high as in London, Manchester, or other coastal areas of the country, it is nevertheless a significant issue for Sheffield.
- The central area of Sheffield is home to a large student population and home to a considerable number of purpose-built student accommodation facilities, with over twenty thousand units in the city centre.
- There are approximately one thousand vacant council houses in Sheffield. There has also been an increase in the number of individuals on the council housing waiting list (24,000) and those experiencing homelessness (2,850 open cases) within the same city.
- To encourage the reuse of empty residential properties in the city of Sheffield the city has adopted the use of a measure in recently passed legislation that allows higher premiums of council tax on second homes. The additional revenue generated is to be invested into providing additional resources to support the city’s housing needs, including the costs of temporary accommodation: The projected expenditure for this fiscal year (2023-2024) is £8.4 million.
- It is difficult to locate detailed information on short-term letting market in Sheffield and therefore to estimate the size of this sector.
Funding
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) and Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University
History
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