Across England today, there are more than 260,000 long-term empty homes—properties that have stood vacant for over six months. When you add in all those that are temporarily vacant, second homes, or awaiting sale, the figure rises to almost one million. At a time when demand for housing continues to grow, that’s an enormous untapped resource.
Here in East Sussex, the story is no different. Towns and villages across the county have properties sitting idle—some in need of only light refurbishment, others requiring more significant work. Each one represents an opportunity: for owners to generate income, for tenants to find a home, and for communities to thrive again.
Why Empty Homes Matter
An empty home isn’t just a financial burden for the owner—it can also affect the wider community. Properties left vacant for long periods often fall into disrepair, attract problems, and can even bring down the appeal of a whole street. On the other hand, when these homes are renovated and brought back into use, the impact is positive for everyone.
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For owners: a chance to create a steady income stream and protect the value of their investment.
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For tenants: more choice in a market that is under real pressure.
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For communities: stronger, more vibrant neighbourhoods with fewer neglected properties.
Bringing empty homes back into use is often far quicker and greener than building from scratch, making it a practical part of tackling housing shortages.
The Barriers Owners Face
Of course, it’s not always easy. Many owners of empty homes feel stuck. Renovation projects can seem daunting, particularly if a property has been vacant for years. Common challenges include:
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Finding reliable contractors across different trades.
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Budgeting for repairs and improvements.
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Ensuring the property meets modern safety and efficiency standards.
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Navigating the rental process once the home is ready.
These barriers can discourage action—leaving homes to sit empty for even longer. But with the right support, the process can be straightforward.
How Oakfield Can Help
At Oakfield, we’ve worked with many property owners across East Sussex to transform empty homes into welcoming, tenanted properties. Here’s how we can support you:
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Expert guidance – We start by assessing your property and helping you plan what needs doing, always with a focus on cost-effectiveness and long-term value.
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Trusted contractors – Our close relationships with local tradespeople mean we can coordinate everything, from plumbing and electrical work to decorating and landscaping.
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Smooth tenanting process – Once the property is ready, we market it, carry out viewings, and place reliable tenants, reducing the time your home sits empty.
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Full management service – For owners who prefer a hands-off approach, we handle rent collection, maintenance, and day-to-day management.
The aim is simple: to take the stress out of bringing an empty property back into use and to make sure it quickly becomes a safe, comfortable home for someone who needs it.
Turning Potential Into Homes
Empty homes are more than just statistics—they’re opportunities. With a little investment and the right support, they can go from neglected to lived-in, from a liability to an asset. For East Sussex property owners, there has never been a better time to unlock that potential.
At Oakfield, we believe every home has a story—and we’re here to help you write the next chapter.