Empty homes are increasing in England for the first time in nine years, with the largest rises in cities such as Leeds, Liverpool and Oldham but more homes are also vacant in the South West of England and the East Midlands.

The latest statistics, published on Tuesday by the Empty Homes Agency, show an increase of nearly 10,000 to bring the total to 672,924.

The cities mentioned above are no real surprise because much has been reported on new-build blocks of flats being bought by investors who are unable to rent them.

David Ireland, chief executive of the Empty Homes Agency, said: “It's an absurd situation. More people need housing now than ever before, but more homes are lying empty.” He pointed to a scheme used successfully in the Netherlands, where the gap between need and demand is met by property guardian companies. They rent out vacant homes temporarily until the owner needs them again or the properties can be sold.

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