Housing Crisis Deepens: Over 3,300 Homes Vacant Across Belfast

Housing Crisis Deepens: Over 3,300 Homes Vacant Across Belfast

The housing crisis continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing our community, and new figures detailing the number of vacant properties across the city have brought the issue sharply into focus. Information recently released shows that at least 3,367 homes are currently lying empty across the Belfast City Council area, even as the official number of families experiencing homelessness exceeds 10,400. For residents in North Belfast, where housing stress is acutely felt, these figures are incredibly frustrating. The data, provided by Land & Property Services (LPS) based on the rating system, highlights significant numbers of vacant homes right on our doorstep. The Duncairn ward, for example, is recorded as having 148 empty properties. Other areas of concern include Ardoyne (57 vacant homes), Water Works (57), Ballysillan (49), Cavehill (45), Fortwilliam (43), and New Lodge (42). Community representatives argue that every vacant property in an area of high housing need represents a serious injustice to families desperately waiting for a secure place to live. Making swift use of these empty homes is seen as one of the most effective and efficient ways to expand housing supply immediately. These properties are already connected to essential infrastructure, meaning many would only require minor remedial work to be habitable again. It is important to note that the 3,367 figure is likely an undercount. The data is based on properties recorded as vacant within the rating system as of September 30, 2025. Because domestic rates are charged at 100% whether a home is occupied or not, property owners have no incentive to inform LPS when a house becomes vacant. This suggests the true number of empty homes across Belfast could be considerably higher. There is a growing demand for the Executive to take decisive action against property hoarding. Critics suggest that the rates system must be reformed to introduce fines for those who allow homes to sit empty for prolonged periods without a legitimate reason, ensuring that much-needed housing stock is quickly returned to the community.