Do you know that there are private properties standing empty in St Edmundsbury, whilst there is a shortage of housing in the borough?
Making the most of your property
If you are the owner of an empty property, you have a valuable asset which could also provide housing for someone in need.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council helps owners who want to bring properties back into use because we are committed to reducing the number of homes which are left empty for a long time.
The Government has also recognised this as a national problem.
What is our definition of an empty homes?
An empty home is one which has been unoccupied for more than six months and where the owner is not renovating it or actively trying to sell or let it.
Why are there empty homes?
Properties may be empty because:
- the home may need renovation before being reoccupied;
- renovation work may have stopped due to lack of funds or other problems;
- the property may have been inherited by owners who do not have the time, knowledge or money to sell, let or live in it;
- sometimes when members of a family inherit a property, they are reluctant to make decisions about its future due to emotional ties to the home;
- the house may have been repossessed;
- the owner may have moved into long-term residential care or hospital.
Why are empty homes a cause for concern?
- they can be a target for arson, vandalism, squatting and anti-social behaviour;
- they can be a considerable financial burden on owners;
- they are a source of anxiety for owners and neighbours;
- they are a wasted resource in an area of high housing demand.
How we help owners of empty properties
St Edmundsbury Borough Council's Strategic Housing Team contacts owners of empty homes that have been empty for longer than six months, to find out why the property is still empty and what plans the owner has for bringing it back into use.
The council encourages owners of empty properties to consider renting as a long or short-term solution, either through a private rental agency or a social landlord.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council works with the Havebury Housing Partnership which has a scheme called Key Potential. The scheme provides a guaranteed rental income for owners who can offer their properties for an agreed period, usually between two and five years; Havebury will then manage the property as part of its housing stock.
The council may be able to give a grant towards the cost of renovating a home which needs work, but in return owners must agree to rent the property for five years at an affordable rent through the Key Potential Scheme.
However, if after advice and discussions with the Strategic Housing Team to help bring a property back into use the owners do not respond positively, we will consider taking formal action. Enforcement action may be necessary when a neighbouring property is suffering because a home has been left empty for a long time.
How can I find out more?
If you would like to know more about the advice and help available, or if you would like to discuss your property, please contact the Strategic Housing Team as follows. All discussions are strictly confidential and information provided will not be shared with a third party, without your consent.
You can also view the Empty House Strategy by going to the Strategy, policies and plans page
Strategic Housing Team contacts
Kevin Marshall, Senior Development Officer - phone: 01284 757606 or email: kevin.marshall@stedsbc.gov.uk
Julie Salisbury, Housing Development Officer - phone: 01284 757608 or email: julie.salisbury@stedsbc.gov.uk
