Other FAQs

1. Why is it so important to get empty properties back into use?
   
   There are clear benefits to properties, communities and the economy.
   

   • Read up on the benefits of bringing properties back into use.
2. What can be done about empty commercial property?
   
   

   If you have an interest in business premises, or if you are concerned about commercial properties lying empty or unsecured, we have the following advice:

   
   

   Health and Safety. If you have a concern about an empty commercial property from a health and safety perspective, contact your local authority's public health department.

   
   

   Investment. Although empty business properties can make areas look run-down, such premises are an opportunity for business investment. For information on vacant offices and industrial properties in Bristol view the online property database at Invest West.

   
   

   Business rates. View information on Business Rates for commercial properties, including Empty Property Exemptions and Small Business Rate Relief.

   
   

   Shops. Information on vacant shops can be found at the Shop Property website.
3. I'm uncertain whether to sell or rent. What should I do?
   
   Scenario: you've inherited a property. But as a new owner you are uncertain whether to let the property or sell it. The property is in need of some updating and renovation. What can you do?
    
   You can get help. Letting a property is a good idea if you're confident that you know your responsibilities and know about best practice in managing properties. If you want to let your property but don't have the time to do it yourself and would prefer someone else to deal with the details of letting and managing the property, then you can rent through a lettings/managing agent. Organisations such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and the Bristol Association of Letting and Managements Agents (BALMA) will help you choose an agent on whom you can depend.
    
   However, there is still a high demand for property in the West of England. Please check our page on Selling an Empty Property.
4. I have seen an empty property I would like to purchase. What should I do?
   
   We are unable to disclose information on owners of empty properties. However, the Empty Homes Officer can pass on details to the owner if we have managed to trace them. The owner can then contact you if they are interested in selling.
   
   Please note: any agreement subsequently reached between you and such a purchaser would be a strictly private arrangement in which the council would play no part.
   
   Other steps you can take:
   

   • Check the FAQ ‘How can Itrace the owner of an empty property?’ to first find the owner.
   • Contact the owner to find out if they are interested in selling.
   • Agree a purchase price. Owners often ask for the market cost, less the costs of any refurbishment needed to the property.
   • Once this is agreed you can follow the normal steps for buying a property. Put down a deposit, arrange any mortgage required, have the property surveyed conduct local authority and land registry searches, and other legal functions carried out by solicitors.

   Please note: it’s our aim to encourage purchases of empty properties to bring them back into use but it can sometimes be a long and difficult process, with no guarantees, and there may be complicated reasons why the property is empty.
   

5. How can I trace the owner of an empty property?
   
   There are a number of steps you can take:
   

   • Post a notice on the property stating you would like to contact the owner
   • Speak to the neighbours, community groups or neighbourhood watch groups - they may know something about who owns the property
   • Contact the council’s Planning department to see if any planning applications have been submitted, or consult the planning register (also available on council websites)
   • If the property is in a rural area the local parish council’s parish clerk may have some knowledge
   • Carry out a search of the District Land Registry. This contains information on all owners of registered land (approximate cost is £4). However, the address of the owner is often the same as the empty property. You can contact the land registry on 0844 892 1111 or view online at www.landregisteronline.gov.uk.
   • If you have the owners name you could use a search agency, which can be found in the yellow pages under ‘Detective Agencies’. They would charge a fee.
6. How can I tell if a property is empty?
   
   The following are signs that a property may have been empty long term. There may be a combination of factors, such as:

   • property has been boarded up;
   • a large amount of uncollected post has built up;
   • the garden is not being maintained, e.g. overgrown, rubbish being dumped and not removed;
   • signs of disrepair or external damage e.g. broken windows, vandalism;
   • neighbours may be able to provide information;
   • check the electoral roll at the local library or town hall to see if anyone is registered to vote.
     
7. Why are empty properties a problem?
   
   Empty Properties:
   

   • Deny properties to people who need homes
   • Increase pressure for new development on greenfield sites, yet these properties (known as 'redfield sites') can often be re-used.
   • Can attract vandalism, squatting, fly-tipping, even arson
   • Act as a honey pot for crime and anti-social behaviour
   • Devalue surrounding properties
   • Blight local neighbourhoods, and can be an eyesore
   • Are a wasted asset for the owners

   If you are aware of a property being empty please report it to the Empty Homes Officer.

   We are happy to meet you at the property to discuss the issues that are affecting you and the community. 

   Alternatively if you are the owner and you are at a loss as to where to go or who to talk to, please contact your Empty Homes Officer for advice and guidance, we are also happy to meet you at your empty property to discuss solutions to bring it back into use.  We can also join with our planning colleagues to help resolve planning difficulties you may be experiencing.