Two new proposals could provide more than 400 homes across Liverpool

Liverpool City Council is preparing to make a significant move to tackle the city’s housing shortage by increasing the availability of quality homes. During the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 24 February 2026, officials will consider two key initiatives that could together result in over 400 additional homes across the city.

The first initiative involves the release of small plots of council-owned land for housing development. A thorough review of the council’s properties has identified numerous small, vacant, or neglected sites throughout various wards that could potentially deliver around 400 affordable homes within the next two to three years, pending planning approvals. This Small Sites programme is designed to meet diverse local housing needs, including providing accommodation for care leavers, people requiring temporary housing, and adults with support needs. Notable recent acquisitions such as plots on Ducie Street, Jermyn Street, and Rosebery Street in the Liverpool 8 area will also be utilized to speed up regeneration efforts and address areas long suffering from neglect.

In addition to this land release, the council will review plans to refurbish 52 properties that have been left empty for many years and require substantial investment to be habitable again. These long-term vacant homes are spread across wards with historically high vacancy rates, such as Arundel, Dingle, Edge Hill, Everton North, Everton West, Kensington & Fairfield, Princes Park, Toxteth, and Yew Tree. After a public marketing process and careful evaluation, the Cabinet is expected to approve their sale to a qualified housing provider under strict terms. These terms include prioritizing people on the council’s housing list and forbidding the properties’ use as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), student residences, or short-term rentals.

Fifteen houses will specifically be allocated for people requiring short-term accommodation, such as those facing homelessness or urgent housing needs, while the remainder will be returned to use as family housing, available for both owner occupation and private rental. This plan aims to attract new investment to upgrade and modernize these derelict properties, thereby delivering high-quality homes that enhance local neighborhoods. It will also reduce ongoing council costs related to security, maintenance, and property deterioration, while boosting the safety and visual appeal of the affected communities. All refurbishments will comply with building regulations and require official sign-off.

Cllr Hetty Wood, Cabinet Member for Housing, described the programme as a “major step forward” in providing the homes needed by the city, emphasizing that it not only increases housing supply but also strengthens communities by restoring neglected properties and developing smaller sites. She added, “Every home we create or restore is another family with the security, dignity and stability they deserve, and I’m proud that Liverpool is taking bold, practical action to meet that need.” Meanwhile, Cllr Nick Small, responsible for Growth and Economy, highlighted the importance of bringing long-empty homes back into use, noting that the initiative will enable responsible organizations to invest in safe, high-quality housing that benefits families and improves local neighborhoods

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