Somerset residents are being encouraged to report long-term empty properties as part of National Empty Homes Week 2026, which runs from Monday, 9 March to Sunday, 15 March.

Somerset Council says tackling empty homes helps reduce nuisance and brings much-needed housing back into use across towns including Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Street.

The council is asking residents to notify them if they know of a property that has been vacant for six months or longer by submitting details through the council's online reporting form.

Councillor Sarah Wakefield, Somerset Council's Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness, said progress had been made but more work is needed.

"I am glad to see fewer empty properties in Somerset year-on-year, but more progress is needed, and you can help us lower that number even further.

"If there is a property that you know has been vacant in your local area for six months or longer, please take the time to tell us its address and postcode by using the form on our website."

Empty homes linked to community problems

Long-term vacant properties can create problems for neighbourhoods, according to the council.

Empty buildings can become a focus for:

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• anti-social behaviour
• crime
• littering and fly-tipping

They may also attract vermin, become unsafe, and potentially reduce the value of nearby homes.

The national awareness campaign aims to highlight the scale of the issue while encouraging councils, property owners and communities to work together to bring unused homes back into occupation.

Number of empty homes falls in Somerset

Somerset Council says the number of empty properties across the county has fallen slightly over the past year.

Figures released by the authority show:

• 2,406 empty homes in 2024
• 2,333 empty homes in 2025

That represents a reduction of 73 properties.

The council said its housing team works directly with owners to help bring properties back into use by offering advice, guidance and financial support.

Grants and loans available to homeowners

Financial help is also available to owners of properties that have been empty for extended periods.

Somerset Council offers grants and loans which can be used to fund essential repairs needed to make homes habitable again.

Once renovated, properties can either be:

• occupied by the owner, or
• rented out to tenants

The authority says bringing unused housing back into circulation is an important part of tackling housing demand across Somerset.

Residents who want to report an empty property or learn more about available grants can find information by searching "Empty Homes" on the Somerset Council website.

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