Miliband vows to end ‘scandal’ of foreign investors who leave properties empty

Mr Miliband said it was “scandalous” that entire blocks of new homes in sought-after areas are standing empty after being marketed and sold exclusively to investors from abroad on “buy-to-leave” deals.

The Labour leader blamed the schemes for contributing to a “chronic shortage of affordable homes”, particularly in London, which has forced house prices beyond the reach of many British families.

Labour has promised to build at least 200,000 new homes annually by 2020 if it wins next year’s general election, by creating a new generation of garden 
cities, targeting land-hoarding by developers with a “use it or lose it” policy and giving councils powers to force neighbouring authorities to co-operate on planning proposals under a new “right to grow”.

And the party will consult with local authorities on doubling council tax on empty properties and closing loopholes which allow premises to be classed as occupied if they have a few items of furniture in place.

Mr Miliband said that housing was the most pressing element of the “cost of living crisis”.

“For many of those Londoners who used to dream of owning their own home, their hopes are fading as fast as the prices rise beyond their reach,” he said.

“The cause is simple: there is a chronic shortage of affordable homes in Britain, and nowhere is this clearer than in London.

He added: “The shortage did not begin with this government. But under David Cameron it is getting much worse.”

Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps said: “Labour failed an entire generation by not building enough houses but Ed Miliband has no plan to deal with the problem.

“We’re taking the difficult decisions to deal with Labour’s mess – delivering hundreds of thousands of new affordable homes through proper investment and fixing the planning system.”