Councils offer help to transform empty properties into a home

The transformation of hundreds of empty properties into homes once more is under way as councils offer help to homeowners.

Over the last year South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have been working with owners of 854 empty properties to understand why their properties are empty and offer support. Of these, 232 properties are now back in use (102 South, 130 Vale).

An estimated 1,162 properties (597 in South Oxfordshire, 565 in the Vale*) are currently empty but could once more become a home for those who need it most.

Some of these homes are unoccupied for a good reason – such as undergoing major refurbishment or awaiting sale. The councils’ work targets those properties that may need some extra help in being brought back into use.

Mr Jacobs, owner of an empty home in South Oxfordshire says: “The Empty Homes team were approachable and supportive, offering help which has enabled me to begin resolving issues that have prevented me from bringing my property back into use.”

Ms McLean, local empty homeowner says: “The Empty Homes team provided helpful advice on available financial support, guidance on energy-saving improvements, and assistance with council tax paperwork, giving me the confidence to start bringing my property back into use.”

A resident from Wantage, who lives next to an empty property says: “The assistance I received from the council helped us to understand the next steps and make contact with the owner of an empty property which was negatively affecting our property.”

The councils offer homeowners information, advice and support to bring their empty properties back into use, including:

• Help to make the property more energy efficient
• Refurbishing the property including VAT reduction for renovation and alteration works
• Additional revenue by renting the property to a tenant in housing need, alongside financial assistance if the property requires minor refurbishment works before being let
• Additional revenue by letting privately
• Selling the property privately, through an estate agent or through auction

Property owners can find out more about the help available and how to report an empty property on the council websites southoxon.gov.uk/empty-homes and whitehorsedc.gov.uk/empty-homes