Empty Homes in the UK: Systemic Drivers, Impacts, and Opportunities to Reconcile Social and Ecological Targets King’s College London in United Kingdom

The Department of Engineering at King’s College London is offering a fully funded 3.5-year interdisciplinary PhD project focused on the systemic challenge of empty homes in the UK. This research opportunity addresses the intersection of housing justice, systems thinking, and degrowth, aiming to understand and resolve the critical issue of vacant properties, which currently number between 1 and 1.5 million in England. The project explores the social, economic, and environmental consequences of empty homes, including fuel poverty, homelessness, tragic outcomes for families in temporary accommodation, and significant financial burdens on local councils and the NHS. Additionally, it examines the environmental impact of new-build housing targets, their effect on the carbon budget, and biodiversity, highlighting tensions between social and ecological objectives.

The research will employ diverse methodologies, including policy reviews, spatial analysis, qualitative approaches (interviews, workshops, surveys), and system dynamics modelling. The goal is to build a comprehensive systemic understanding of the drivers behind empty homes and their broader effects, ultimately supporting a theory of change for the housing sector. The candidate’s work will have the potential for long-term sectoral impact and aligns with major UK funding themes such as EPSRC’s “Manufacturing and the circular economy” and “Energy and decarbonisation.”

Throughout the PhD, the student will engage in participatory research activities, knowledge exchange, and knowledge transfer, producing scientific publications and public presentations. Collaborations are expected with stakeholders like Action on Empty Homes and other community-led housing groups. The candidate will also have opportunities to engage with The Net Zero Centre, a leading research hub for decarbonising the economy and addressing environmental challenges, fostering holistic education for scientists, engineers, social scientists, lawyers, and policy makers.

Eligibility requires a background in engineering (system dynamics, environmental, civil, or general engineering), social sciences (geography, architecture, planning), or other relevant interdisciplinary subjects. Applicants should demonstrate eagerness to work in interdisciplinary environments, combine qualitative, quantitative, and modelling approaches, and possess strong English communication skills. Familiarity with the UK housing sector is desirable but not essential.

Funding covers tuition fees, a tax-free stipend (approx. £23,805 p.a. for 2026/27, with possible inflationary increases), and bench fees (£1,000–£4,500 p.a.). Home tuition fees are £8,000 p.a., and international tuition fees are £34,700 p.a. The application deadline is May 15, 2026.

To apply, candidates must use the King’s Apply online system for Engineering Research (MPhil/PhD), indicate Dr Anna Pagani as supervisor, quote the project title, and include code [677] in the Funding section. Select option 5 for a funding award administered by King’s College London. The selection process involves document pre-selection and interviews. For further information, visit the provided links or contact Dr Anna Pagani.