National Empty Homes Week 2026

Bringing Empty Homes Back to Life in Doncaster: How we’re Working With Landlords, Owners, and Partners to Strengthen Our Communities

- a guest blog from Doncaster City Council

Empty homes aren’t just unused buildings - they’re missed opportunities. Opportunities for families who need a place to live, for communities that thrive when streets feel lived‑in, and for owners who want to make the most of their properties. At the City of Doncaster Council, our Strategic Housing team is working every day to unlock those opportunities and bring empty homes back into use.

It’s a challenge that takes collaboration, creativity, and a lot of conversations. And that’s exactly where our work begins.

Connecting With the People Who Know These Homes Best

Empty property owners and landlords are at the heart of our approach. They’re not just stakeholders - they’re partners. Working alongside owners and landlords, we work to understand why properties become empty, what barriers they face, and how we can support them to bring homes back into use.

To make this happen, we:

·       Host Landlord Forums and local drop‑in sessions

·       Offer 1:1 support on everything from legislation to tenancy management

·       Share updates on new products, services, and opportunities

·       Provide practical advice to help owners make informed decisions

·       Link owners with investors and with St Leger Homes to secure suitable tenants

These conversations help us understand the real‑world challenges behind empty homes and help owners feel supported, not isolated.

Data‑Led Approach to Improving the Private Rented Sector

Tackling empty homes isn’t something we do alone. We work as part of Doncaster’s Private Rented Sector (PRS) Core Group, bringing together Public Health, Home Options, Private Sector Housing Enforcement, and Strategic Housing.

Together, we use data to identify where intervention is needed most. This helps us focus our efforts on the areas and issues that will make the biggest difference.

Our shared priorities include:

·       Reducing the number of empty homes

·       Improving housing stock condition

·       Addressing housing shortages

·       Supporting homelessness prevention and relief

·       Reducing health inequalities by increasing housing provision

By working collaboratively, we’re shaping a stronger, safer, and more sustainable private rented sector for everyone.

A Health Driven Approach

Collectively, we also work with our public health team to ensure that residents’ health is embedded in the work that we do.

Housing is a key determinant of health as it unlocks the door to other aspects of a healthy life.Utilising empty homes to increase provision means more people have access to the homes they need.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs demonstrates the importance of shelter, a home is a fundamental physiological need that must be met in order to have a happy and healthy life. Furthermore, the next rung up in the hierarchy covers safety needs, including ‘personal security’ and ‘health’ - both of which are significantly at risk without having a home, demonstrating that a home is the foundation of a healthy life.

When people have access to a safe and warm home that meets their needs, the health benefits are significant. Good housing helps protect against respiratory illness, reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, and supports better overall physical health. A healthy home also has mental health benefits, secure housing reduces stress, improves emotional wellbeing, and provides a sense of stability and dignity that underpins participation in work, education and community life.

Bringing empty homes back into use creates these opportunities for individuals and families who need them most.

Targeted Action on Empty Homes

Our empty homes work is proactive and community‑focused. We’re taking practical steps to engage owners, understand challenges, and unlock solutions.

This includes:

·       Area‑specific drop‑in sessions to reach owners where they are

·       Site visits to empty properties to assess condition and potential

·       Direct contact with owners to offer support and guidance

·       Investor–Owner matchmaking to help stalled properties move forward

·       Partnership work with St Leger Homes to identify tenants and provide tenancy support

These targeted interventions help bring properties back into use more quickly and ensure they remain sustainable homes for the future.

Building a Better Housing Future for Doncaster

Every empty home brought back into use is a step towards a healthier, more vibrant Doncaster. It means more affordable homes for residents, stronger neighbourhoods, and better outcomes for communities. It can support local regeneration and create welcoming streets that encourage connection, reduce anti-social behaviour and foster a sense of belonging.

Through collaboration, data‑driven planning, and meaningful engagement with landlords and property owners, we’re making real progress and we’ll continue working to ensure that homes across Doncaster are safe, lived‑in, and part of thriving communities.

Small Steps Create Big Shifts

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Turn Intention Into Action

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Make Room for Growth

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.