National Empty Homes Week: Eastbourne's progress bringing empty homes back into use
Eastbourne Borough Council is marking National Empty Homes Week (March 9 to 15) by highlighting the progress being made locally to bring more empty properties back into use and support housing needs across the town.
Over the past two years, Eastbourne Borough Council has taken proactive steps to reduce the number of empty homes. In 2024/25 the council introduced the maximum Council Tax premium allowed on long-term empty properties and second homes, encouraging owners to bring vacant homes back into use.
Since these measures were introduced, the number of empty homes subject to a premium has fallen from 288 to 219, while second homes have reduced from 876 to 739. In total, more than 200 homes have been brought back into full-time use in Eastbourne.
Additionally, a unified, cross-county strategy and delivery model is being developed in line with the East Sussex Housing Partnership Strategy. By collaborating with other authorities, sharing skills and resources, the council aims to consistently and efficiently bring empty homes back into use, strengthening communities and meeting housing needs across the region.
Councillor Peter Diplock, Cabinet Member for Housing at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "At a time of housing crisis, it's vital that we make the best possible use of the homes we already have. Every property brought back into use can make a real difference to individuals, families and neighbourhoods.
"National Empty Homes Week is a great opportunity to highlight the work taking place behind the scenes. We're pleased that the steps we've taken are already helping return hundreds of homes to full-time use, and we remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure homes in Eastbourne are lived in and supporting our communities."
The council will continue working with partners and property owners to reduce the number of long-term empty homes and ensure as many homes as possible contribute to thriving neighbourhoods across Eastbourne.
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