Empty homes

Bringing empty homes back into use

Homes that lay empty for a long time are a waste of a scarce resource. In the UK there are a lack of affordable homes. With record demands for housing and growing social housing waiting lists, more use must be made of the existing housing stock. Evidence shows that when empty homes are left unmanaged and unmaintained they become subject to vandalism, social issues and degradation. This negatively impacts on other residents and communities. 

We are trying to increase the supply of housing that is available. To support the Government's initiative to tackle the national housing shortfall we have employed a dedicated Empty Homes Officer to help bring short and long-term empty properties back into use by working closely with owners and the local community.

If you are the owner of an empty property and would like to speak to the Empty Homes Officer (EHO) please email env.health@scambs.gov.uk. The EHO will be in touch to informally discuss your options or give a free property assessment. There is a wealth of information and advice to assist you in getting the property ready for sale, auction or rental.  

Renovations for properties empty for at least 2 years 

Renovations and alterations to residential properties that have been empty for at least 2 years will be eligible for a reduced VAT rate of 5%.

If you have recently purchased a property which has been unoccupied for 2 or more years and it requires renovation, the Empty Homes Officer can write a letter free of charge to confirm eligibility and signpost to further advice.

Further information can be found via the government website.

Owners who Leave Properties Empty

There are no council tax exemptions for an empty property, except for the first 6 months following probate having been granted. Costs increase the longer it sits empty For example, if you currently pay £200 Council Tax on an empty home, the costs will increase as follows:

• after 2 years - £400 (100% increase)
• after 5 years - £600 (200% increase)
• after 10 years - £800 (300% increase)

Empty properties have an increased likelihood of arson, theft, damage, squatting and fly tipping. Overgrown brambles, trees, foliage and ivy can cause damage to shared fencing, roofs and gardens. Rodent and vermin infestation is also a risk, particularly if there is a readily available food source.

The owner of the empty home is losing potential rental revenue and will have to pay costs for rubbish and garden clearance, graffiti removal or boarding up the home. They will also pay increased insurance for an empty or dilapidated property. 

How to bring in additional revenue

Rent your property 

If your home is ready to move into you can rent it out. You could do that yourself or use an agency. Our Private Sector Leasing scheme, Shire Homes, may be able to offer their property management services to you.

Shire Homes can offer a complete Housing and Property Management Service including:

• lettings
• property inspections
• rent and service charge collection
• guaranteed rental income
• anti-social behaviour dealt with promptly
• response repairs.

Get in touch with Shire Homes by emailing shire.homes@scambs.gov.uk or by calling 01954 713 361 or 01954 713 657.

Homes for Ukraine Landlord Incentive Scheme

If you are considering letting your empty property out, you can do so through our Homes for Ukraine Landlord Incentive scheme, and receive up to £12,700 for a 6 month tenancy. To join this scheme, properties need to have up to date electrical & gas safety certificates, and a recent energy performance certificate (EPC).

To find out more, please contact our Homes for Ukraine team either by telephone 01954 713 411,or email HFULiaison@scambs.gov.uk.

Enforcement action

Enforcement measures are used as a last resort. This may be when:

• a home has been abandoned
• the owner can't be traced
• we can't agree a voluntary solution with the owner
• in cases of extreme dereliction, urban blight, or structural instability, we must act to protect the health and safety of our residents.

We are able to:

• serve a Compulsory Purchase Order on the property
• serve Improvement Notices. This is to make the owner bring their property up to the current housing standards
• apply for an Empty Dwelling Management Order. This enables us to take over the management of the property for up to 7 years, carry out remedial works and use the property to reduce housing need within the area
• enforce the sale of a property.