Empty homes
At a national level, the government wants to increase the number of empty homes that are brought back into use. It is a sustainable way to increase the overall supply of housing. The government wants builders, investors and local councils to increase the supply of repurposed empty homes.
Our Environmental Health - Private Sector Housing team have an empty homes initiative named Houses 4 Homes. The initiative aims to reduce the number of long-term empty homes within the district. This helps to alleviate the growing housing need, and offers more choice to the housing market.
We recognise that residential properties may become empty for a number of reasons. We work with property owners, to help them return their properties to occupied use.
Report an empty home
If you believe a residential property within the district is empty, you can report it online:
How we support owners of empty homes
We work with property owners in a number of ways, and to prevent them from being subjected to any legal enforcement action. Please contact us to learn more about how we can help you and your circumstances.
Our assistance includes, and is not limited to:
- general advice and support
- construction support and project planning
- financial interest free loan assistance
- landlord lettings and income assistance
Complete our Empty Homes' Owners Questionnaire
Legal enforcement
Where action is not taken - and properties remain empty - we may have to rely on legislation, and enforcement, to take action against an owner and return a property to use.
Read our Empty Homes Policy for more information.
Read more about enforcement action against empty homes
Contact us
To discuss the services we can provide you with, please contact Houses 4 Homes.
Email enquiries@houses4homes.org
Phone 0300 1234000
You can also contact us via our online form: