Dealing With Vacant Mansions in London

The affluent neighborhood has one of the highest rates of vacancy. Though most are still owned, the homeowners are notoriously bad about maintaining these properties.

"Unlike people facing foreclosures in other neighborhoods around the world, Mayfair's homeowners aren't down on their luck. Rather, the properties serve as investments for owners who pay the bills to keep them empty -- something the neighbors and city object to when the homes fall into disrepair. Many owners decline to rent the homes due to local council tax rules, which tax properties at a lower rate if they are empty and unfurnished. That loophole frustrates Mr. Palmer. 'We shouldn't be rewarding these people,' he says."