Reading faces questions over 3,000 empty homes as strategy expiration looms
Opposition councillors seek answers on vacant property targets
Over 3,000 homes remain empty in Reading, according to data from Reading Borough Council, prompting concern as the town’s Empty Homes Strategy approaches its expiry.
Among the 3,524 empty homes, 1,086 are classified as long-term vacant, having been unfurnished for six months or more.
The figures emerged during questions from opposition councillors about the council's progress in reducing vacant properties. The Empty Homes Strategy, established in 2020, aimed to bring 20 homes back into use in its first three years and 30 additional homes back into use in the following three years.
Councillor James Moore from Tilehurst raised concerns over the lack of public updates on the strategy’s performance, noting, “In the five years since the strategy was approved, no performance update has been brought to any committee. Performance data has instead been reported only through private lead councillor briefings.”
Councillor Matt Yeo, Reading’s lead councillor for housing, provided updates at a full council meeting on 13th October. The council slightly fell short of targets in the first four years; however, it exceeded its yearly target in 2025/26 with 32 homes brought back into use.
Additionally, the council has earned over £2 million this year from council tax premiums on vacant and second homes. The power to charge these premiums began in April 2025.
Responding to queries from Rob White, leader of the main opposition party, on the expiry of the strategy, Yeo confirmed that a new strategy is in development and will be proposed to the housing, neighbourhood and leisure committee next March.
Cllr Yeo highlighted the importance of the Empty Homes Strategy, explaining how bringing long-term vacant properties back into use can boost housing supply, improve neighbourhoods, and reduce the negative impact of empty homes on communities.