Almost 4,000 homes in Swindon are currently empty, according to the latest data.
The latest available figures from the Office for National Statistics show 3,920 unoccupied dwellings in Swindon.
The ONS used data from the 2021 census to find "truly vacant dwellings", describing these as dwellings unoccupied on Census Day with no usual residents, has no indication of being used as a second home, and are not inhabited by short-term residents.
According to its figures, Central South and Eastcott had by far the most vacant homes (505) compared to other wards in Swindon, while the Freshbrook North and Grange Park ward had the fewest (40).
The Central North area had the second highest number of unoccupied homes, with 385, whilst Rodbourne & Cheney Manor came third with 255.
Other areas of Swindon town proper were perhaps unsurprisingly higher than the outer-lying areas of the borough, with Kingshill & Okus (195), Lawn & East Wichel (210), Lower Stratton (185), Gorse Hill (195) all charting in at over 150 empty homes.
Also hitting that mark was Wroughton, Wichelstowe & Chiseldon (190), an area covering a much larger, more rural part of the borough, and Highworth (170).
Meanwhile, Swindon Borough Council says there are only 502 vacant properties in the area - though it only counts properties that have been empty for at least six months.
It bases its data on the April 2023 council tax list. All are privately owned.
Councillor Janine Howarth, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Housing, said: “There will always be empty homes within the borough but the majority of these will be re-occupied within a relatively short space of time once the owners decide on their plans.
"However, some homes will remain unoccupied for longer.
“While Swindon has a relatively low number of long-term empty homes we still want to see more of these homes come back into use and be lived in.
“The council has a dedicated Empty Homes Officer who provides advice, assistance and information to owners of empty properties that can help bring the homes back into use.
"The officer will also investigate complaints and referrals about empty homes.
“In the more serious cases, the officer can take enforcement action that includes notices and orders to force an owner to clean up the property or in some cases sell them.
“We want property owners to be looking to make sure their buildings are occupied and we will continue to work with them as much as we can.
“If anyone has concerns over the state of an empty home, please email emptyhomes@swindon.gov.uk and we will look into it.”
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