Research has revealed that the number of derelict and empty homes in the borough has more than doubled in the past year.

Figures from the company YouSpotProperty.com says 214 homes in Harrow are now recognised as long-term empty and derelict.

This is more than twice the number for last year, and with an increase of 129 per cent, the biggest rise in empty properties in all London boroughs.

Founder of of the property comany Nick Kalms said: “Returning empty and dilapidated homes to use is a bigger problem in London than elsewhere in the UK because councils simply cannot afford to buy and return them to market.

“In some cases, paying up to a million pounds for a dilapidated property which might otherwise be worth £75 000 in another city is simply out of reach of councils’ budget, so this has led to an increase in empty homes around London.”