Government Targets Empty Homes

The government is launching a bold new crackdown on vacant homes, targeting nearly 19,000 empty properties nationwide—especially in rural towns—to combat the housing crisis. A new 7% tax on derelict homes, starting with towns over 4,000 people, aims to force owners to sell or renovate. Finance Minister Simon Harris calls dereliction a “scourge,” frustrated by local councils’ poor enforcement—some collected zero in levies last year. Over $26 million in unpaid fees sits idle, while broader housing reforms include stricter rules for short-term rentals and a delayed but vital Airbnb register. This is about turning neglected spaces into homes—and changing behavior fast. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c57e71498b796cfb