Write To Your MP

Contact your MP to support converting empty buildings into affordable homes.

There are changes to policy and practice that would encourage the conversion of empty buildings into social and affordable housing. We need our MPs to act on this crucial issue and they are much more likely to address the issue and consider innovative solutions if they know their constituents care.

Find the name and contact details of your MP by entering your home postcode at: https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP

Send them a short but clear message explaining the problem and what you want them to do. A template message is below, but you can increase the impact by personalising it. You could include details about why this issue matters to you, or note specific challenges or opportunities in your area.

Don’t forget to copy es2h@habitatforhumanity.org.uk into the message so we can follow up!

Write to Your MP

Use the template below to email your MP and help turn empty spaces into homes.

Subject: Empty Spaces to Homes

Dear [MP’s Name],

The government has made clear that it recognises that we face both a housing crisis and a climate crisis, with its commitments to building 1.5m homes and accelerating the UK to net zero. Without rapid action, however, these two goals may cancel each other out.

I am writing to you because I believe we are missing a crucial part of the answer to these challenges: empty non-residential buildings. Habitat for Humanity GB have shown through research and practical conversion projects that it is possible to create high-quality social and affordable housing with a fraction of the carbon impact of new builds, while also revitalising neighbourhoods and high streets.

I have three requests:

  • Advocate for policy change: Simple changes like equalising the VAT paid on new builds and conversions would help increase the attractiveness and viability of conversions. More systemic reform would see government funding for affordable housing focused on homes that have the widest individual, societal, and environmental benefits.
  • Engage with the local authority: On average, each local authority owns 18 commercial or business properties that have been vacant for more than a year. Forming a taskforce with local housing associations, developers, and community groups to decide which properties could be great homes would be transformational.
  • Connect with Habitat for Humanity GB: Please speak to Habitat for Humanity GB about how you can work together here and in Westminster. They can be contacted at es2h@habitatforhumanity.org.uk.

Thank you for taking the time to read my message, and I look forward to hearing from you.