You said how can you find the long term unused propties are known to the council by the surcharge mechanism.
1. Where do you draw the line between ones you can snag and those you can't?
2. How do you check/know if the owners are returning tomorrow or next week?
3. Do you think millionaire property speculators would register their property as unoccupied if it meant there was a chance that almost anyone could be moved into it whilst they are away?
4. What do you do with all the possessions in the house, including expensive electronics, art, jewellery and personal items with high sentimental value?
5. Who insures the property, and the contents whilst it's being lived in by someone else?