In this episode of On the Air, Paula is joined by John Wickenden from Housemark, Paul Malone from Moving Soon and Charlie Bessant from Stonewater to explore why empty homes are rarely as simple as they appear. Together, they unpack the complex reality behind voids, looking at the many stages involved. The discussion highlights how fragmented systems, resource pressures and changing regulations can all add time to the process, even when everyone involved is focused on getting homes ready as quickly as possible.

The episode also looks to the longer-term decisions that shape how empty homes are managed. John, Paul and also explore why some properties may be harder to let, why perceptions of empty homes do not always reflect ownership or viability, and how reinvestment, modern methods of construction, repurposing existing buildings and more joined-up sector thinking could all help respond to growing demand for social housing.