The number of empty properties in England has fallen to a 10-year low, according to government figures.
As of October 2013, there were 635,127 empty homes across the country, down by around a fifth since 2009 and their lowest level since 2004.
The numbers of long-term vacant properties have fallen by around a third over the past four years, from 316,251 in 2009 to 216,050 in 2013.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles welcomed the news as “a significant achievement”.
“Empty properties can blight entire neighbourhoods, becoming a magnet for antisocial behaviour when they should be family homes,” he said.
