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There are currently over 1,000 homes in Medway that have been empty for over six months. Communities and Local Government (CLG) estimates that in the south-east there are seven empty properties for every homeless family. Medway Council would like to work with the owners of these properties to bring them back into use and provide affordable, decent homes.
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Why bring empty homes back into use? There are economic, environmental and social costs associated with empty properties. The deterioration of properties can: - create an image of neglect and decline within the community;
- affect the amenity of the area;
- devalue neighbouring properties by as much as 20 per cent;
- attract vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Bringing empty homes back into use will therefore create a "win-win" situation, as it will: - reduce the pressure to build on greenfield sites;
- remove eyesores and sources of nuisance;
- give owners of empty properties an income;
- provide another means of meeting local housing need.
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Benefits for owners of empty homes The estimated cost of keeping a home empty is more than £8,000 a year. This is made up of: - rent loss: £5,521;
- dilapidation: £600;
- management: £715;
- security: £300;
- insurance: £120;
- council tax: £1,216.
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By bringing their empty property back into use, owners could receive an income rather than paying out.
How can owners bring empty properties back into use?
Repairing or converting property for occupation
- Empty Property Grants
It may be possible to award up to £15,000. A condition of the grant is that the property is to be let for a period of five years.
- Value Added Tax (VAT) reductions
If owners decide to pay for work themselves, the VAT rates for developing empty homes are reduced from 17.5 per cent as follows:
- if empty for more than 10 years – no VAT is charged;
- if empty for between three and 10 years – five per cent VAT is charged.
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Leasing Owners may decide to lease their property. This can be done in three ways: Leasing a property will provide a monthly income and will ensure that the property is occupied, reducing the risk of vandalism. Selling Owners may decide to sell their property. Medway Council can provide advice and assistance on selling: - to a housing association;
- to a private developer;
- on the open market.
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Some questions answered
How do you define an empty property?
There is no single definition but generally, the council is concerned with concentrating on properties that have been empty for over six months according to council tax records. This does not include second homes or holiday homes.
What is the council doing to bring empty homes back into use?
It is working towards an empty homes strategy, which aims to increase the availability of affordable, decent homes by encouraging and supporting owners to bring their properties back into use. It can offer a range of support and advice to owners of empty homes on the best method for bringing their property back into use.
How can I report an empty property to the council?
Please use the contact details below.
How can I trace the owner of an empty home?
Fasten a notice on the door of the empty property saying that you would like to contact the owner.
- Talk to neighbours and any neighbourhood community groups, as well as local shopkeepers, who may know the owner.
- Contact the council's planning and building control services to see if they have dealt with any planning applications.
- If the property is in a rural area, contact the clerk of the parish council.
- Contact the local neighbourhood watch group (ask at your local police station for details).
- Search the District Land Registry. If you fill in Form 313, the details will be sent to you within 48 hours at a cost of £4. This can be a useful way to find the owner’s name but the address given is often the same as the empty property address.
- Contact HM Land Registry (www.landreg.gov.uk).
- If the land is not registered, search the Land Charges Registry. Form K15, which costs £3, which will give you the owner’s details if there are any charges against the property (e.g. a second mortgage) or if bankruptcy papers have been filed.
Useful links
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