SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised the Executive for failing to tackle the growing crisis of empty homes, describing it as an abdication of responsibility at a time when homelessness is at record levels.

Figures provided by the Minister of Finance in response to an Assembly Question tabled by Mr Durkan show that, as of 30 June 2026, there were 22,817 vacant properties across Northern Ireland.

Mark H Durkan MLA said:

“This level of dereliction is unfathomable at any time, but it is a particularly bitter pill to swallow when homelessness is at a record high and we have almost 23,000 properties lying empty.

“The SDLP has been pressing the Executive to take meaningful action on empty and derelict properties. In our Building Firm Foundations housing paper, we put forward clear proposals to tackle the problem of empty homes across Northern Ireland, yet these have been ignored.

“Over the years, we have seen countless strategies, reviews and promises, but the number of vacant properties has continued to rise. Derelict properties are a blight on our communities. They can become magnets for antisocial behaviour, an eyesore and a source of real frustration for local residents. It is gutting to see so many properties lying empty when families are crying out for a place to call home.

“In the South, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has brought 4,500 properties back into use, while the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership has helped return almost 13,000 homes to use since it was established. The UK Government has also brought forward an ambitious approach that will give local councils greater powers to tackle dereliction.

“So why are we still waiting for meaningful action here? The response from Minister Lyons that it would be ‘premature to identify specific measures’ to bring vacant properties back into use is, quite frankly, an insult. The Empty Homes Strategy was launched over a decade ago. Ministers have had ample opportunity to develop and bring forward proposals. If the Executive is serious about tackling homelessness, then it must stop dragging its feet on vacant properties.”