Barnet Council officers visited 100 properties recorded as empty during a single evening as part of efforts to bring unused homes back into occupation.
The Housing Regulatory Services team checked whether the properties were secure against unauthorised access and whether they were causing problems for neighbours, including fly-tipping or vermin.
Owners were also given information about support and options for bringing their properties back into use.
According to the council, Barnet has 5,361 homes that have been empty for more than six months, including at least 313 subject to probate.
The council’s Council Tax team checks that owners pay any applicable empty-property premium. Depending on how long a property has been empty, this additional charge can reach 300% of the standard Council Tax bill.
Councillor Ross Houston, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes and regeneration, said more than 3,000 households were living in temporary accommodation as of July 2026. He said the cost of temporary accommodation had more than tripled since 2023.
“We hope that by ensuring that property owners realise the value of their assets, this will in turn help reduce the demand for temporary accommodation across our borough,” he said.
“Where property owners continue to leave properties empty without good reason and fail to maintain them, the appropriate enforcement action will be taken.”
The council works with Bumblebee letting agents to support owners who need help with refurbishment costs or property sales.
Eligible owners of long-term empty properties may receive a grant of up to £40,000 if they agree to let their property through Bumblebee for five years, according to the council.
The visits took place ahead of World Vacant Homes Day on 8 October, which highlights unused homes and buildings alongside the need for secure, affordable housing.
Residents can find out more or report an empty property through Barnet Council’s empty homes webpage.
Source: Barnet Council.