Lambeth Council is implementing a new strategy to tackle the growing problem of empty homes across the borough, aiming to bring more properties back into use for residents in need. The council defines 'void' properties based on their status, which can include confirmed voids where works are underway, properties earmarked for demolition or redevelopment, those ready for letting, or awaiting sign-up. Some properties are also classified as 'long cycle voids' if they require substantial investment, such as kitchen or bathroom replacements, or are removed from the normal allocations process.
The Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to discuss the council's approach to empty homes and voids. Councillor Pete Elliott, Cabinet Member for Housing, stated that reducing the number of empty council homes and the time taken to bring them back into use is a key priority, as each empty property represents lost rent and a missed opportunity to house those in need.
The council has seen an increase in the number of properties re-let, from 587 in the financial year 2023/24 to 834 in 2025/26, a 42% increase. This improvement is attributed to the Empty Homes and Voids Action Plan.
However, the council still faces challenges, with 496 void properties across various housing stock categories as of early July 2026. These include properties undergoing standard void works, major capital investment, or those awaiting redevelopment. The breakdown of these voids is as follows: Regeneration Estates account for 191 properties (59 confirmed void, 46 demolition, 46 TA: Ready for Letting, 21 Ready for Letting, 19 squatted). General Housing Stock comprises 244 properties (115 confirmed void, 96 ready for letting, 15 CAPITAL VOID, 13 asset review, 5 squatted). TMO Offices have 31 confirmed void properties, and PFI / HFL has 30 properties (28 ready for letting, 2 confirmed void).
The average key-to-key turnaround time for short-cycle voids is currently 32.5 working days, with a target of 30 working days. To address these issues, the council is investing in bringing empty homes back into use, particularly those requiring complex repairs. In 2025/26, £1 million was allocated for complex capital void projects, with two major projects completed and five more progressing.
The council is also focusing on improving void management processes, including enhancing data quality, operational oversight, and performance management. This includes the introduction of new void management pathways, comprehensive data cleansing, and the implementation of AI-assisted surveying technology. The AI-assisted surveying technology, known as SurveySphere, is expected to improve surveying capacity, strengthen repair specifications, and support the timely return of homes to occupation. Surveyors can now complete property surveys in 30-40 minutes instead of two hours, contributing to quicker void turnaround times.
Councillor Danny Adilypour highlighted the importance of data cleansing and improved IT systems for managing voids. Georgina Shuler, a long-term council tenant, suggested that the council should consider breaking up estates if they are structurally sound to create more council homes and develop an in-house direct labour organisation for retrofitting. Councillor Pete Elliott stated that he was 'certainly open to that conversation' regarding meeting with groups to discuss possibilities of forming retrofit DLOs and indicated he would be very surprised if he hadn't already had discussions in that context.
Further details on the council's housing scrutiny can be found in the Supplementary Agenda, Agenda Frontsheet, and Public Reports Pack for the meeting.
