The professional body
for the property sector

Local authorities in England will be able to apply for Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) for homes left empty for six months, rather than two years, from 5 November 2026. This is a positive move, although EDMOs should be used only as a last resort. The measures could be enhanced by adding a requirement for local authorities to consult a qualified agent to speed up the process of returning stock to the market.

We have taken our campaign to unlock empty homes directly to the Senedd, urging policymakers to widen access to funding, recognise private landlords as housing providers, and assess whether council tax premiums are bringing properties back into use. In an evidence session on 21 October 2026, our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, highlighted the need for practical support for owners, better housing data, and properly funded local authority teams.

Survivors could gain stronger rights to remain in their social homes whilst their abuser is removed under new proposals in the Social Housing Bill, which aims to protect social housing stock in England, support investment, and improve security for tenants. The Bill is progressing through the parliamentary process and could become law in the first half of 2027.