Council Steps Up Work to Bring Empty Homes Back Into Use

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has announced new measures aimed at reducing the number of long-term empty homes across the borough, as part of wider efforts to address housing pressure in the area.

The council has appointed a dedicated Empty Homes Officer, whose role will focus on identifying properties that have been left vacant for extended periods and working with owners to bring them back into use. Homes that have been unoccupied for more than six months are classed as long-term empty.

According to the council, there are currently around 470 long-term empty homes in Tonbridge and Malling. While some properties may be empty for understandable reasons - such as probate or major renovation - others can remain unused for years, reducing available housing stock and impacting neighbourhoods.

With demand for housing continuing to rise across West Kent, the council says making better use of existing homes is an important part of meeting local need. Empty properties can also attract vandalism or anti-social behaviour and may affect the appearance and safety of surrounding streets.

The council’s approach focuses on engagement rather than enforcement, offering advice and support to owners where possible. In some cases, this may include helping owners explore options to sell, rent, or renovate properties that have been left unused.

The council has also reminded residents that council tax is still payable on empty homes, with additional premiums applied the longer a property remains vacant. These charges increase over time and are intended to encourage homes back into use.

Residents who are aware of properties that appear to have been empty for a long period are encouraged to report them through the council’s official channels so they can be investigated.

With demand for housing continuing to rise across West Kent, the council says making better use of existing homes is an important part of meeting local need. Empty properties can also attract vandalism or anti-social behaviour and may affect the appearance and safety of surrounding streets.

The move forms part of wider housing and planning work across the borough, as local authorities look to balance new development with better use of existing homes. While bringing empty properties back into use will not solve housing shortages on its own, the council says it is a practical step that can make a meaningful local difference.