EMPTY SPACES
TO HOMES

A comprehensive digital toolkit for local authorities, charities, and community groups — learn how to convert vacant commercial buildings into decent, affordable homes.

Start Learning How it works

5

Modules

18

Lessons

51

Topics

FREE

For everyone

Certificate

On completion

About the toolkit

Create your free account today

Developed by Habitat for Humanity Great Britain and our Empty Spaces to Homes coalition, this interactive course guides you through every stage of converting vacant commercial buildings into affordable housing.

With over 175,000 vacant buildings in the UK and 1.3 million households on the waiting list for social housing, converting these spaces into housing provides a route to addressing the housing crisis and ensuring everyone has a safe space to call home.

Whether you’re new to capital projects or looking to refine your approach, each module provides practical guidance, real-world case studies, downloadable templates, and interactive tools to help you deliver your project.

How it works

1

Register

Create your free account to track progress and save notes

2

Choose a Module

Start from the beginning or jump to the topic most relevant to you

3

Learn & Apply

Work through lessons, watch videos, download templates and take quizzes

4

Track & Certify

Track your progress and download a certificate when you complete a module

Course Modules

Module 0

Module 0: Introduction

Start here to understand why empty building conversion matters, how to use the toolkit and where to find further guidance.

1 Lesson

TRAINING: Sandbox Module

A practice module for trying out lessons, topics, quizzes, certificates, groups and coupons. Safe to edit, break and delete.

1 Lesson

Module 1

Module 1: Identifying Need and Opportunity

Plan the foundations of your project by understanding local housing need, finding a suitable building, building partnerships and testing early viability.

6 Lessons

45 mins

Module 2