Schemes to get empty homes back into circulation are being highlighted by Central Beds Council as part of a national Empty Homes Week which started yesterday (Saturday).
Properties that are empty for long periods can become magnets for criminal or unsociable behaviour, can decrease the value of neighbouring properties and are frequently a major source of distress for neighbours.
In Central Beds most of the long term empty homes have been identified and are being tackled by the authority. A pair of semis in Hockliffe Road, Leighton Buzzard, were a prime example where the abandoned houses underwent major restoration to be put back into the housing market.
A council spokesman said: “We have been very successful in tackling some of our most troublesome empty homes. What we are finding more difficult is encouraging the owners of these homes to take the action to bring their homes back into use. We are very keen to change this and have put in place a range of support for people willing to bring their homes into use.
“We are able to offer an interest free loan of up to £15,000 to pay for works to make a house habitable. This might include things like, repairing or replacing a heating system, repairs to walls, wiring or floors, or providing suitable damp proof measure if they are needed. The property must have been empty for one year or longer. For a loan of between £1 and £8,000, repayment is required if the property is sold within 10 years. For loan assistance of £8,000 to £15,000 the repayment is required if the property is sold within 30 years.”
Empty home owners can also get a grant to pay for repairs to their house if they agree to certain conditions.
Councillor Carole Hegley, spokesman for social care, health and housing, said: “Turning a long term empty home into a proper home, is a win-win situation, with benefits for everyone involved – families on the housing waiting list, local neighbours and residents, and long-term empty home owners. This approach also saves local council tax payers money as it’s proven to be more cost effective and sustainable than building new homes.
“Thanks to our residents we have been able to identify most of our local empty homes. But we need your help again, to track down the owners of these homes and encourage them to come to us, so that we can tell them what we can do to help.
“If you’re an empty home owner, or you know someone who is, please get in touch with our Private Sector Housing Team on 0300 300 8302. We have some great examples of how it works!”