The government must explore more ways of bringing empty properties back into use as an alternative to building new homes on green-belt land, campaigners say.

Suggested steps include creating a fund that councils could access when they need to carry out enforcement (similar to a scheme that already exists in Wales) and reforms to probate law to prevent properties from sitting needlessly empty.

Adam Cliff, secretary and policy lead for the Empty Homes Network, said: “Empty Homes are a hugely wasted resource… At a time where the demand housing is so high, working to bring empty homes back into use can not only support meeting this need, but can encourage inward investment, improve communities and enhance the lives of those who currently live near empty homes.”

Housing and homelessness charity Shelter is also pushing for more privately owned empty properties to be brought back into use, alongside advocating for the creation of more social housing.

Speaking to the BBC, Shelter’s chief executive Polly Neate said: “We desperately need more genuinely affordable social homes and if the government is serious about its commitment to deliver them, it must do more to bring long-term empty homes back into use.

“Converting empty homes is not the silver bullet to ending the housing emergency, but it offers a cost-effective and green way to get more social rent homes built.”

Shelter has already produced a 10-city plan that it says would transform 10,500 empty homes in England over the next three years.

Responding to the recent BBC article, a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “We are committed to building 1.5 million homes and delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation. This will unlock thousands of homes and make the dream of homeownership a reality for more people across the country.”