| wdt_ID | Key themes | % |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frustration that empty homes are not refurbished/repurposed and given to those on the housing register or made available for first time buyers, others in need | 9 |
| 2 | General state of disrepair e.g. broken windows, falling cladding, damp problems, water leaks | 7 |
| 3 | Appearance of neglected and run down properties is unpleasant | 7 |
| 4 | Overgrown plants and vegetation | 5 |
| 11 | Lowers the tone of the neighbourhood e.g. puts new buyers off, lowers house prices | 4 |
| 12 | Wildlife/vermin issues e.g. foxes breeding, rats, insect nests | 4 |
| 13 | Increase in crime/vandalism | 4 |
| 14 | Empty properties often converted into HMOs or undesirable tenants move in | 3 |
| 15 | Rubbish and debris | 2 |
| 16 | Negative comments about the Council | 2 |
| 17 | Rents becoming too high contributes to the problem | 1 |
| 18 | Live next to/close to an empty property (no impact described) | 1 |
| 19 | Probate comments e.g. trying to sell a property of deceased relative or someone who has moved into a care home, left empty for a long time | 1 |
| 20 | Attract squatters or other undesirables | 1 |
| 21 | Those not living in their empty property angry that they have to pay full council tax e.g. whilst refurbishing | 1 |
| 22 | Empty commercial buildings in need of repurposing | 1 |
| 23 | Homes used as holiday lets or short-term rentals | 1 |
| 24 | More parking available/less congested in areas where there are empty properties | 0,4 |
| 25 | Other e.g. fire risk, lots of empty second homes, void periods between tenants, can't get on housing register/about to be evicted, used as business addresses, costs of redevelopmemt are prohibitive/take a long time, renovation disruptive | 4 |
| 26 | Na/no comment/no impact | 64 |
“I see them around the city and feel they bring the feel of the areas down. I am aware how short of housing Portsmouth is and so I am concerned about the lack of use of these potential homes.”
“We live opposite an empty home that is falling into disrepair. It is unsightly and the garden is so wild that a family of foxes have made it their home.”
“There are two empty homes very close to me, my immediate neighbour and then their neighbour. Both of these have gardens that are becoming overgrown and encroaching on our garden. I am experiencing damp problems from the empty neighbouring home.”
“Front garden full of trash, cans, bottles etc. A meeting place for drug users and sellers. A wall that was falling into the street (finally repaired after numerous calls to the council). No sign of any refurbishment going on in 4 years.”
