"While we’re pleased to see that regenerating previously developed land is a central tenet of the Levelling Up agenda, it’s crucial that the Government shows more ambition in supporting the potential redevelopment of abandoned and derelict buildings"
- Elliot Vure - Together
Nearly half of UK adults want to see abandoned or derelict buildings in their cities (49%) revived for new purposes such as housing, business or retail, according to new research from Together.
A new survey commissioned by the lender revealed that two fifths of respondents felt ‘unsafe’ because of the state of abandoned buildings in their cities, while 40% believe these directly contribute to poor economic growth. 41% of those polled even expressed safety concerns over leaving them to fall into further disrepair.
Together’s analysis of Census and Local Authority data reveals that as of 2023, there is a total of 1.55m residential homes worth £532bn that stand empty across England and Wales, with Westminster the worst offender with nearly 36,000 vacant homes.
These homes are technically ‘abandoned’ - with no usual or short-term residents in place, or use as a second home, without any clarity on plans for sale or redevelopment.
This was followed by Cornwall which has just over 28,000, and Birmingham with just under 26,000. Other offenders in the top 10 include Liverpool, Leeds, Camden and Manchester.
And yet there is a clear belief that regeneration of residential and commercial buildings can restore civic pride, with 67% agreeing disused sites are a waste of land and redevelopment potential, and 29% want them restored to their former glory.
When asked how these abandoned buildings should be repurposed, the most popular option was more private houses or flats to rent or buy (35%), followed by community or social housing (26%).
24% wanted to see them turned into local or independent businesses, community spaces (22%) and schools or youth centres (18%).
The survey, commissioned as part of Together’s ‘Hidden Gems’ campaign to shine a light on the issue, is supported by TV presenter and property expert, Lucy Alexander.
Elliot Vure, Corporate Director at Together, said: "These findings underscore a pressing need for action. Most Britons are calling for the revitalisation of these abandoned buildings, recognising the potential they hold for regenerating communities and economies in cities across the UK.
“While we’re pleased to see that regenerating previously developed land is a central tenet of the Levelling Up agenda, it’s crucial that the Government shows more ambition in supporting the potential redevelopment of abandoned and derelict buildings.
“This will be paramount in addressing the housing crisis, which will be a key feature in the upcoming General Election.”
Lucy Alexander, Hidden Gems Campaign Ambassador, added: “While my personal passions - property and TV have driven my interests to uncover ‘hidden gems’, the same, understandably, may not be said for all residents who share the same postcode.
“It’s a shame to see these derelict properties presenting such a concern for the British public, especially when considering the potential they hold, but it is equally promising to see the clear appetite for change.
“The number of people calling for this redevelopment action, and the ‘wish list’ of potential purposes these buildings could be used for, clearly show that we should not give up on these often overlooked and unloved buildings. So many existing sites today could see their former glory restored and new purpose given if the right support can be put in place.”
