Why some homes are empty
Each empty property has its own story – most are left empty because the owner lacks the time, money, knowledge or will to get it back into good use. Some common reasons for homes being left empty are:
- a lack of money for repair work
- waiting for planning permission
- inheritance issues
- family disputes or divorce settlements
- repossession and complex legal or insurance problems
- owners do not know how to get homes back into use
- housing market conditions – waiting for the right time to sell
- buy to let proves harder work than many people expected
Why you should report your home as empty
Properties that are left empty for long periods can be a concern for a number of reasons:
- they can attract crime, arson, vandalism, squatting and anti-social behaviour
- they can be a financial burden on their owners (it is estimated that it costs roughly £5,000 a year to keep a home empty).
- they are a wasted resource in an area of high housing need
- they can cause anxiety for local residents and reduce the quality of life in a neighbourhood
- the Government has highlighted empty homes as an issue of national concern
Returning an empty property back to use
Returning empty homes to use eliminates these concerns and can provide a number of benefits:
- it can give owners a financial return
- it improves the quality of a neighbourhood
- it brings much needed housing back into the supply pool