The UK government announced on 27 September 2026 plans to reduce the qualifying period for Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) from two years to six months, a move that has sparked debate within the property sector about the balance between housing supply needs and property ownership rights.
Under the proposed changes, local councils would gain authority to take over management of privately owned properties that have remained empty for six months or longer. While ownership would remain with the original property owner, councils could arrange lettings to third-party tenants and retain rental income for up to seven years.
Industry concerns over timeframe
Property professionals have raised questions about whether six months provides sufficient time to account for legitimate reasons a property might remain vacant. These include probate proceedings, divorce settlements, family bereavements, renovation work, beneficiary disputes, owners working abroad, planning consent delays, and intermittent use of second homes.
The government has cited Britain’s housing shortage as justification for the measure, arguing that empty properties represent an underutilised resource. However, critics point to existing mechanisms already available to authorities, including tax premiums on empty properties, compulsory purchase orders for public interest cases, and powers to address properties creating environmental disturbances.
Existing regulatory framework
The proposal adds to an already substantial regulatory framework governing property use in the UK. Current restrictions include planning law, taxation measures, compulsory purchase powers, and environmental regulations. The property regulation system continues to evolve as authorities balance market needs with ownership rights.
Article 1 of Protocol No 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights protects peaceful enjoyment of possessions while permitting state control of property use in the general interest. The proposed EDMO changes would represent an extension of this principle, though the government maintains ownership would not be transferred.
Alternative solutions proposed
Industry observers have suggested alternative approaches to addressing housing supply, including accelerated housebuilding programmes, faster construction timelines, release of government-owned land, planning reform, and measures to improve the economic viability of residential development.
The property sector has experienced various regulatory changes in recent years, with rental market dynamics and housing affordability remaining key policy concerns. The six-month EDMO threshold represents the latest government intervention aimed at increasing housing availability.
The consultation period for the proposed changes has not been specified, though implementation would require local councils to establish assessment criteria and operational procedures for identifying qualifying properties and managing the EDMO process.
