Empty homes successfully returned into use in 2024
30 December 2024
We have helped to bring 12 privately owned empty homes back into use this year.
We work to reduce the number of empty properties that exist across the district. Our empty homes strategy aims to alleviate housing needs and reduce the effect empty properties have on communities.
Cllr Steve Davies, deputy leader of the council, and portfolio holder for housing and homelessness said: "We've worked hard to make sure properties are not left empty for long periods. The 12 homes brought back into use this year have helped to meet needs in the private housing sector, mainly through private sale, and improve the quality of the immediate neighbourhood they are located in."
"Our Empty Homes strategy makes it clear to owners and landlords of empty properties that we will support them. Our role as a district council is to help people with their empty properties, and work with the owners to find solutions to issues they might be facing. In some cases, enforcement is the only option left where, properties are sold, updated, and re-occupied."
"Recently, our teams including housing and legal services, collaborated to bring a long-term empty property back into use. The house had been unoccupied for over 15 years, and we worked hard to ensure it was sold, and that the property achieved market value. Contractors cleared the house and garden, and we undertook an enforced sale under the Property of Law Act 1925."
"Our costs and charges have been recovered, and any funds leftover will go to the previous owner. From this one sale, nearly £59,000 of council charges and costs have been recovered on behalf of Council Tax payers."
People can get in touch with our private sector housing team to share details of an empty property. Residents can also contact us if they own an empty property and are unsure how to bring it back into use.
Read more about our work with private housing on our website.
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