Could debt solutions get people back in homes?
Could debt solutions get people back in homes?
- Tuesday, 24 November 2009An increasing number of houses in England remain empty for long-term periods, it has been revealed.
Research from Halifax indicates the number of private residences that have been empty for a prolonged period of time has risen above 300,000.
Increased rates of vacant properties can be directly linked to financial hardship and, as such, widespread
debt advice could help people remain in their homes and counter the rising numbers.
Suren Thiru, economist at Halifax, said: "The number [of empty homes] has increased recently following several years of decline.
"In many cases, high levels of long-term empty homes reflect relatively high levels of deprivation, low average earnings and high unemployment."
The Halifax Empty Homes Survey found there was a year-on-year rise of nine per cent in the number of long-term vacant properties, with real figures increasing from 279,281 in April 2007 to 303,285 the year after.
According to Nationwide Building Society, houses in areas with top performing schools can sell for as much as £19,500 more than comparable homes outside such catchment areas.

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