Manchester is growing fast. Since 2013, our population has grown by 125,000 people. Demand for housing is higher than ever. We’re building thousands of new homes each year and aiming for 10,000 more affordable homes by 2032. But we also need to make the best use of homes we already have.
The problem
Empty homes are a wasted resource. They could:
- give families a place to live
- reduce homelessness
- improve neighbourhoods.
Right now, empty homes are at a historic low compared to the early 2000s. But there are still around 1,500 homes in Manchester which have been empty for six months or more. As such, the owners have to pay at least a 100% premium on top of the standard Council Tax charge. These homes often need direct action to bring them back into use.
Our plan: Empty Homes Strategy 2026–2032
This strategy explains how we’ll bring long-term empty homes back into use. Read the full Empty Homes Strategy.
Our priorities
- Work with owners to bring homes back into use, including for affordable housing.
- Increase housing supply to reduce homelessness. Using empty homes for temporary or adapted accommodation.
- Target problem properties that cause issues for neighbours.
- Retrofit homes to make them warmer, greener, and healthier.
We’ll work with owners, housing providers, and communities to find practical solutions. This could include:
- helping owners sell or rent
- using leasing schemes
- enforcement as a last resort.
Why it matters
Every empty home we bring back into use:
- helps tackle the housing crisis
- improves neighbourhoods
- supports our sustainability goals.
Have your say
How should Manchester prioritise action on empty homes? What ideas do you have? Your feedback will help shape the final strategy.
Take the survey now. Or visit us at one of our drop-in sessions to find out more or to ask the team a question.
Drop in sessions
Newton Heath Library (Health and Cost-of-Living Community Event)
- 21 January 2026, 11am to 2pm
- 2 Old Church St, Manchester, M40 2JF
Withington Methodist Church (Winter Warmer Event)
- 22 January 2026, 11am to 3pm
- Egerton Crescent Entrance, Withington, Manchester, M20 4AN
Manchester Central Library
- 28 January 2026, 10am to 2pm
- St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD
Open Space - Wythenshawe Civic
- 10 February 2026, 10am to 2pm
- 10 The Birtles, Civic Centre, Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 5RF
Take the survey:
Closing date is Monday 2 March 2026.