Consulting body: The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Submitted: 16 October 2026
Status: Submitted
The Committee’s follow-up inquiry revisits empty properties, following its 2019 inquiry. The FMB submitted evidence through FMB Cymru, which represents small and medium-sized building firms across Wales. Our members build, repair, renovate and improve homes and other buildings.
Our evidence considers progress since 2019 and the practical measures needed to return empty buildings to safe, sustainable use. It covers grants, enforcement, local authority capacity, renovation quality, construction skills and data. We recognise the value of existing initiatives but believe they need a coordinated national framework.
Why this matters
Empty properties are a wasted housing and economic resource and can contribute to neighbourhood decline. Bringing them back into use can help address housing pressures, although renovation is not always quicker or cheaper than new building.
Local SME builders understand local housing and supply chains and are accustomed to varied renovation work. However, approval delays, complex procurement and uncertain payments can make participation difficult. Consumers also need repairs that address damp, ventilation and energy efficiency together, rather than storing up future problems.
What we are calling for
- A national strategy and better data. Publish a strategy covering residential, commercial, heritage and other reusable buildings, with clear responsibilities and measurable outcomes. Improve reporting on vacancy duration, building condition and properties returned to use.
- Simpler, more flexible funding. Check eligibility before requiring detailed quotations, set clear decision timescales and make staged payments predictable. Allow justified deadline extensions, review the grant limit and coordinate council tax premiums with genuine renovation progress.
- Support alongside enforcement. Give every local authority access to a dedicated empty properties officer or properly resourced regional service. Help owners navigate funding and renovation requirements, moving towards enforcement where reasonable assistance has failed.
- Accessible work for SME builders. Use manageable work packages, proportionate procurement and insurance requirements, a visible pipeline and prompt payment. Assess competence and quality, not price alone, and encourage engagement with accredited local firms.
- Quality renovation and construction skills. Fund a whole-building approach to insulation, heating, ventilation and moisture management, backed by quality assurance. Connect empty homes and retrofit programmes with apprenticeships, SME training support and Regional Skills Partnerships.
We believe these changes should turn more empty properties into safe, energy-efficient homes while supporting local building firms and sustainable employment.
Read the full response
Read our full parliamentary evidence submission for the supporting evidence and detailed recommendations.
Further information
Ifan Glyn
FMB Cymru Director
ifanglyn@fmb.org.uk
