Ashfield District Council: Empty Homes Campaign

Empty Homes Campaign

What Is The Empty Homes Campaign?

The Empty Homes Campaign is a commitment from Ashfield District Council to get empty private sector property back into use as residential accommodation.

Why Have An Empty Homes Strategy?

Empty homes are a wasted resource.

In November 1999 there were 2040 empty homes in the Ashfield District, at the same time there were 3700 applicants on the councils housing register needing affordable accommodation.

The Empty Homes Officer

The Empty Homes Officer plays an important role in the Empty Homes Strategy by providing a first point of contact for property owners (and for the public who identify empty properties ), and by helping owners find the best way of bringing them back into use.

An Empty Home Costs Money & The Risks Are Much Increased

An empty home can have the following problems?

Increased insurance premiums or companies refusing cover.
Ongoing Council Tax payments.
Risk of squatters & legal fees to remove them.
No Rent
Dilapidation whilst empty.
Increased risk of vandalism.
Increased risk of fire
Boarding up costs.
Unnoticed leaks and damp penetration.
Ongoing security costs.
Ongoing neighbour complaints.

Does it really make sense losing over £5,000 each year keeping your property empty - with nothing but hassle in return?

How Does The Empty Homes Campaign Work?

The Empty Homes Officer is here to help. Any queries about empty properties will be investigated and the best options made available to interested owners.

The range of options include:

Empty Homes Grants.
Housing Association -Purchase & Repair.
Private Investors. ~ Discretionary Renovation Grants.
Housing Association Leasing.
Advice to rent privately.

Advice can be given on all of the above options.

The owner of this property paid about 30% of the cost of renovating this empty home, then nomination from the Council's waiting list ensured that people in need were housed.