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An Abandoned House Next Door: What You Can Do

Report it to the council, and find out who owns it.

An Abandoned House Next Door: What You Can Do Residential Property Services in London

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Neighbours · Empty homes

Abandoned house next door

Reportto council
Ownervia Land Registry
Damageto your home
Enforcementpowers
In short: An abandoned house next door can cause damp, pests, security problems and lower values. Report it to your council's empty homes or environmental health team, which can use powers to deal with dangerous structures, pests, overgrown land and, in long-term cases, empty dwelling management orders or compulsory purchase. You can find the owner by buying the title register from HM Land Registry and writing to them. If the empty house is damaging yours, keep evidence and take legal advice about a nuisance claim.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy the empty house next door?

Possibly, if you can trace the owner and they agree.

Who deals with pests and rubbish?

The council's environmental health team.

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