Preston empty homes brought back to life

There are more than 1,000 empty properties in Preston that could be providing desperately needed accommodation for a range of residents.

At a time of unprecedented housing shortages, ‘Making Homes from Houses’ - the Council’s award-winning partnership with Community Gateway Association - is making a difference to reduce the number of empty properties and increase the number of affordable rented homes for local people.

As of February 2026, Council records indicate that 2,051 empty residential properties can be found across the city. Of these, almost half are considered to be in transition between owners, undergoing renovation, have owners who are in hospital or receiving care, vacant student accommodation, or are second homes.

The rest are long-term empty properties that can blight neighbourhoods, become a focus for vandalism and anti-social behaviours, attract vermin, and even impact on adjoining properties. These issues can cost their owners, and also the Council, thousands of pounds each year.

The Council is committed to try and reduce the number of empty properties, but also to increase the number of affordable rented homes for local people. ‘Making Homes from Houses’ is the Council’s award-winning partnership with Community Gateway Association (CGA) to acquire empty properties, fully renovate them, then lease them at affordable rents to those Preston residents awaiting a property on the Council’s ‘Select Move’ waiting list.

The Council’s contribution to the funding comes from Section 106 developer contributions to provide affordable housing, and to date the Council has committed £1.6million of funding across three phases.

In October 2025, the Council agreed to add a further £1m to the programme.

Community Gateway Association provides the bulk of the funding, to either purchase properties outright at market value, or agree very long lease arrangements, then undertake all the repairs and renovations and manage the properties once they are occupied.

Once purchased, Homes England also provide an additional amount of grant monies to support the input from CGA.

This innovative scheme is unique, with Preston City Council being the only local authority using third party contributions in this way.

Councillor Zafar Coupland, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The Making Homes from Houses scheme aims to bring affordable and suitable housing to those on the waiting list, while also reducing the impact of new housing development on the environment.

“We are working tirelessly to take action on homes negatively impacting neighbourhoods, whilst providing family homes to the people of Preston. We’re delighted the ‘Making Homes from Houses’ scheme is working so well and has received brilliant feedback from residents already.”

Louise Mattinson, Executive Director of Customers and Communities at Community Gateway Association, added: “Working in partnership with Preston City Council through ‘Making Homes from Houses’ continues to show what can be achieved when organisations share a clear purpose.

“At a time when demand for housing has never been greater, this vital work is helping to strengthen neighbourhoods, reduce the impact of long-term empty homes and ensure more people in Preston have access to a safe, secure place to call home.

‘’We are proud to be continuing this partnership and building on the success achieved so far.”

Email emptyhomes@preston.gov.uk or report an empty property via the Council’s website.