It is estimated that in England there are about 250,000 homes that have been empty for over six months.

To help solve this problem, the government has now given powers to local authorities to effectively seize control and manage homes that have been left empty for more than 6 months, under what are called "Empty Dwelling Management Orders"

However, on the subject of getting empty homes back into use, the government has not been so keen to publicise the fact that investors can actually get income tax relief on the cost of converting or renovating vacant property above shops and offices into residential flats.

Spend £60,000 and write off the full amount against tax

So, if you spend say £60,000 on the conversion you could write that full amount off against your income tax bill for that year.