Empty properties

It is estimated that keeping a property empty could be costing the owner over £7000 a year in expenses and lost income. There are a variety of options available to you. Which one you choose will depend on the type of property you own and your own personal circumstances.

Selling your property

From time to time private investors approach the Council to buy empty homes. The Council will not give out a list of empty homes, it will however put owners in contact with interested buyers.

Letting your property

Alternatively you may wish to rent the property, in which case you may wish to contact a letting agent who will manage the tenancies and property for you. A list of letting agents can be found in the phone book or find them via various websites that list agents.

If you use a letting agent you may wish to consider using an agent registered with the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)  or the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) who both operate schemes to ensure high professional standards for letting agents.

If you do it alone make sure you understand the legislation that controls the way in which you can rent out the property and the physical standard the house must meet. A very useful book to read is the 'Landlord Development Manual'. In addition you may need planning permission from the Council if you are changing the use of the property or building regulation permission if you undertake building work.

Finance

There may also be funding available through the Council to repair the property or a partnership scheme where a Housing Association may be willing to buy your property. To find out if this is available for your property, contact the Empty Property Officer who can also provide information on special VAT rules that may apply to renovations or conversions.