Turning Empty Properties into Community Assets

How Harrisons Empty Property Solutions Helps Bring Homes Back to Life

Across the UK, empty and vacant properties remain a persistent challenge for local communities and local authorities alike. Behind boarded-up windows and overgrown gardens often lies a complex mix of social, legal and practical issues: unidentified owners, unresolved probate, lack of funding, or simply no clear route forward.

While these properties sit unused, the impact is felt by everyone. Neighbourhoods suffer from reduced housing supply, increased anti-social behaviour, falling property values and missed economic opportunities. At a time when housing demand is high, leaving homes empty is a problem we can no longer afford to ignore.

At Harrisons Empty Property Solutions, our mission is simple: to turn empty properties into safe, occupied homes that once again contribute positively to their communities.

The Challenge of Empty Properties

For local authorities, empty homes can be resource-intensive. Tracing ownership, managing enforcement, dealing with probate issues, and encouraging refurbishment or sale often requires specialist skills that sit across multiple departments.

For communities, the effects are more visible and immediate:

• Declining street appearance
• Increased vandalism and fly-tipping
• Reduced sense of safety and pride
• Lost opportunities for housing and regeneration

Many empty properties are not vacant by choice. Owners may be unaware they have inherited a property, live overseas, or be caught in lengthy and complex probate situations. Without intervention, these properties can remain empty for years.

Encouraging Active Referral and Early Intervention

One of the most effective ways to tackle long-term vacancy is through active referral. By identifying empty properties early and referring them to a specialist solution provider, local authorities and partners can prevent problems from escalating.

Harrisons works proactively with councils, housing teams and community stakeholders to:

• Identify long-term empty or problematic properties
• Trace missing or unknown owners
• Resolve legal and probate barriers
• Create a clear, supported pathway back to use

Early engagement not only reduces enforcement costs but also speeds up the return of homes to the market.

A Unique, End-to-End Solution

What sets Harrisons apart is our multi-skilled group of specialist companies, working together to manage every stage of the empty property journey:

• Harrisons Genealogy Solutions
  Experts in owner tracing and unidentified probate, helping locate heirs and resolve complex estate issues that often prevent properties from moving forward.
• Harrisons Property Solutions
  Providing practical support to facilitate refurbishment, redevelopment or compliance, ensuring properties meet required standards and are fit for occupation.
• Harrisons Estate Agent Solutions
  Supporting sale, letting or onward disposal, helping properties re-enter the housing market quickly and responsibly.

By bringing these services together under one trusted group, we remove the fragmentation that so often delays progress. Our clients benefit from a single point of contact and a clear, legally sound route to resolution.

Benefits for Local Authorities and Communities

Our joined-up approach delivers measurable benefits:

• Reduced number of long-term empty homes
• Lower enforcement and management costs
• Increased housing supply
• Improved neighbourhood appearance and safety
• Positive outcomes for owners and beneficiaries

Most importantly, homes are returned to productive use — whether that’s for families, private tenants, or wider regeneration initiatives.

Working Together to Unlock Empty Homes

Empty properties are not just buildings; they are opportunities waiting to be unlocked. With the right expertise, collaboration and early referral, even the most complex cases can be resolved.

At Harrisons Empty Property Solutions, we are proud to work alongside local authorities and partners to deliver practical, ethical and effective solutions that benefit everyone involved.

If you are dealing with long-term empty properties or complex ownership cases, we’re here to help turn challenges into lasting community assets.