Analysis by property lender Together has identified major concerns over the scale of crumbling and derelict properties – with 46% worried the situation will only get worse if it isn’t addressed urgently.

The research found that two fifths of respondents felt ‘unsafe’ because of the state of abandoned buildings in their cities, while 40% believe these directly contribute to poor economic growth.

Two-fifths (41%) of those polled even expressed safety concerns over leaving them to fall into further disrepair.

Together’s analysis of Census and Local Authority data reveals that as of 2023, there is a total of 1.55 million residential homes worth £532bn that stand empty across England and Wales, with Westminster the worst offender with nearly 36,000 vacant homes.

These homes are technically “abandoned” – with no usual or short-term residents in place, or use as a second home, without any clarity on plans for sale or redevelopment.

And yet there is a clear belief that regeneration of residential and commercial buildings can restore civic pride, with 67% agreeing disused sites are a waste of land and redevelopment potential, and almost a third (29%) want them restored to their former glory.

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When asked how these abandoned buildings should be repurposed, the most popular option was more private houses or flats to rent or buy (35%), followed by community or social housing (26%).

Elliot Vure, corporate director at Together, said: "These findings underscore a pressing need for action.

“Most Brits are calling for the revitalisation of these abandoned buildings, recognising the potential they hold for regenerating communities and economies in cities across the UK.

“While we’re pleased to see that regenerating previously developed land is a central tenet of the Levelling Up agenda, it’s crucial that the government shows more ambition in supporting the potential redevelopment of abandoned and derelict buildings.

“This will be paramount in addressing the housing crisis, which will be a key feature in the upcoming general election.”

Together announced the provision of funding to support the delivery of thousands of additional homes across the UK with the launch of its first £150m development finance fund last month.

This facility for development lending will unlock the additional finance needed for building projects, providing a much-needed boost to housebuilding schemes across the country to help battle against Britain’s ongoing crisis.