Meanwhile Use for Vacant Residential Property in London | Urban Cohesion
London faces a housing crisis — yet across the city, thousands of residential properties stand empty. Many of these homes are caught in the lengthy processes of regeneration or planning permission, leaving them unused for months or even years.
For landlords, developers, and local authorities, vacant residential properties create serious challenges:
● Ongoing council tax, security, and maintenance costs
● Risk of squatting, vandalism, and anti-social behaviour
● Declining condition of buildings left unoccupied
● Negative perceptions within local communities
At the same time, demand for temporary and affordable housing is at an all-time high. This disconnect highlights the urgent need for meanwhile residential use.
What Is Meanwhile Residential Use?
Meanwhile use is the temporary activation of empty housing stock during the planning or regeneration process. Instead of sitting vacant, these homes can be secured, managed, and put to work for the community.
The benefits are clear:
● For landlords & developers: reduced costs, improved security, and protection of assets.
● For local authorities: safer neighbourhoods and much-needed temporary accommodation options.
● For communities: access to safe and affordable housing in a city where space is scarce.
How Urban Cohesion C.I.C Makes It Work
At Urban Cohesion, we provide a professional, end-to-end service for managing vacant residential properties on a meanwhile basis. Our role is to protect assets, reduce risks, and generate social value for local communities.
Our Approach Includes:
● Security & Anti-Squatting Measures
We deter squatting, vandalism, and anti-social behaviour by ensuring vacant homes are properly secured and actively managed, protecting both property owners and local communities.
● Temporary Housing Provision
By partnering with local authorities, we transform vacant homes into short-term accommodation for local people in need. This ensures that no property is wasted while directly addressing London’s urgent housing pressures.
● Operational & Maintenance Management
We take full responsibility for day-to-day operations, from maintenance and compliance to tenant support. Urban Cohesion ensures all housing regulations, health & safety standards, and local policies are followed throughout the meanwhile use period.
This approach allows property owners to protect their assets while delivering meaningful impact for Londoners.
Why This Matters Now
London’s regeneration projects are vital — but they often take years to complete. In the meantime, entire streets or estates can be left empty, creating security concerns and draining resources.
Meanwhile residential use provides a win-win solution:
● Owners reduce costs and safeguard their assets.
● Local authorities gain much-needed temporary housing.
● Communities benefit from safer, more vibrant neighbourhoods.
Partner With Urban Cohesion
Urban Cohesion C.I.C is committed to ensuring that London’s vacant residential properties don’t go to waste. By working with landlords, developers, and local authorities, we turn empty homes into secure, well-managed, and socially valuable spaces until long-term regeneration plans can move forward.
Contact us today to explore how your vacant residential properties can be transformed into safe, compliant, and impactful community assets.