Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has formalised its commitment to addressing the housing crisis by appointing a dedicated Empty Homes Officer. This specialist role is designed to breathe life back into long-term uninhabited properties, transforming wasted spaces into viable residences for the community.
The move comes as the South East faces an acute shortage of available property, with rising pressure on the local rental sector and a challenging government mandate to deliver nearly 20,000 new homes across the borough by 2041.
The Scale of the Challenge
Currently, approximately 470 properties across the borough—ranging from modest flats to large family houses—are classified as long-term empty, meaning they have stood vacant for at least six months.
The Empty Homes Officer will be responsible for identifying and mapping these sites, tracing elusive owners, and providing the necessary support to navigate the hurdles that prevent properties from being occupied. Common obstacles include:
- Complex legal delays and probate issues.
- Prohibitive maintenance and renovation costs.
- Properties held intentionally empty as speculative investments.
Protecting Neighbourhoods and Increasing Capacity
Beyond the lost opportunity for housing, empty buildings often become magnets for vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The council emphasises that returning these properties to the market is essential for maintaining the aesthetic appeal and safety of local neighbourhoods.
To discourage owners from leaving homes dormant, the council continues to apply significant council tax premiums. Properties left empty for over a year incur a 100% surcharge, rising to 200% after five years and 300% for those vacant for a decade or more.
A Commitment to Innovation
Councillor Robin Betts, the cabinet member for housing, views the appointment as a vital component of the borough’s wider housing strategy.
“Every property that is lying empty is a potential home for someone,” Cllr Betts stated. “Empty homes are a wasted resource at a time when we know housing in the borough is in demand. This new role shows our continued commitment to an innovative approach to creating housing. It’s good for residents, good for communities, and good for the borough as a whole.”
Early progress is already being reported, with several long-term vacant properties currently undergoing negotiations to return them to a habitable condition.
How to Report a Vacant Property
Residents are encouraged to assist the council in this initiative. If you are aware of a property in your area that has been vacant for a significant period, you can report it directly to the council through their official portal.
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