Empty homes

An empty property is one which has been vacant for over six months.

Properties that are left empty for long periods can be a concern for a number of reasons:

• they can attract crime, arson, vandalism, squatting and anti-social behaviour
• they can be a financial burden on their owners (it is estimated that it costs roughly £5,000 a year to keep a home empty).
• they are a wasted resource in an area of high housing need
• they can cause anxiety for local residents and reduce the quality of life in a neighbourhood
• the Government has highlighted empty homes as an issue of national concern.

Returning empty homes to use eliminates these concerns and can provide a number of benefits:

• it can give owners a financial return
• it improves the quality of a neighbourhood
• it brings much needed housing back into the supply pool

We understand that bringing an empty home back into use can be a stressful, time consuming and expensive process. Our Empty Homes Officer is available to assist with advice and support to help your turn your empty property into a home. We can provide a range of advice and assistance.

If you would like to know more about the assistance available or if you would like to report an empty home please contact us using the details below.