Owning an Empty Property

See Factsheet 1: What shall I do with my property now that no one is living there?

See Factsheet 5: The costs and risks of owning an empty home

There are clear benefits to bringing your empty property back into use.

We can offer advice and assistance or in some cases financial support by providing grants or loans to assist with the cost of renovating or improving the property.

Whatever your situation we want to help owners to improve empty properties, get them let to tenants, and for owners looking to sell by putting them in contact with developers and individuals who are interested in purchasing empty properties. We aim to offer some advice and point you in the right direction. 

Options for owners of empty properties:

If you own a property that’s empty, councils are able to help you bring the dwelling back into occupation in these ways:

• Financial Assistance: In some cases financial support through grants or loans to assist with the cost of renovating or improving the property. Click here to find out more about what financial supprt is available
• Practical Support: Find help to improve your property then let it or use our tips to find a good developer or builder.
• Interested Purchasers List: Explore our list of persons interested in buying empty properties.
• Discounts: Use our list of contractors offering discounts to owners of long term empty properties (pdf, 127 Kb)
• Let your property: We can provide essential information for new landlords and help you find a tenant.
• Sell your property: We can provide free advertising space for empty properties and useful contacts.
• Property Guardians: Why not try using a property guardian like Ad Hoc, Dot Dot Dot or Camelot to protect your empty property for temporary periods.
• Becoming a landlord? Don't forget that the online Landlord Manual could answer lots of your questions if you have any queries about becoming a landlord.

For more information on these schemes: Please email us at No Use Empty (West) or contact your council's Empty Property Officer.

Also, if your property is going to be empty for a period, read our tips on keeping homes safe.