Empty Homes

Fareham Council encourages the return to use of empty dwellings as a means of meeting housing need within the Borough. To assist owners, advice can be provided and in cases where the property requires works to eliminate serious hazards a Home Improvement Loan may be available to help prepare the property for occupation.

 

Why Return Empty Dwellings To Use?

Empty dwellings are a wasted resource and returning them to use benefits the community in many ways;

 

• Improving the appearance of the neighbourhood
• Providing housing for local people in need of a home
• Easing the pressure for housing development on green-field sites
• Reducing the risk of squatters, vandalism and crime
• Increasing the value of neighbouring homes
• Increasing trade for local shops and businesses

 

How Does Bringing Empty Property Back Into Use Benefit The Property Owner?

Benefits to the owner include:

• Security against vandalism and squatting.
• An occupied property in good condition will increase in value and reduce future maintenance costs.
• A rental income or improved sales potential
• Council Tax paid by tenants not the owner.

 

How Is Fareham Borough Council Assisting The Return Of Empty Properties Back To Use?

Fareham Borough Council is actively identifying long term empty properties in the area so that we can offer their owners advice and support to bring them back to use.

It need not even be an empty house – buildings can be converted and flats created from vacant space above shops.

The Empty Property Co-ordinator can provide advice to owners on the range of options available and information on lettings and accessing financial help.  In certain circumstances this can include providing an interest free loan to carry out essential works to the property. 

 

How Does It Work?

Owners of empty property who are unsure of what to do to bring the property back into use are encouraged to contact the Council for advice.  We arrange to meet the owner or agent at the property to carry out an inspection and discuss the options.  

 

There is no charge for this service, and there is no obligation for the owner to take any of the options discussed.

 

What Are The Options Available?

The options for bringing property back into use include;

• Arranging improvements and repairs to enable the owners to take occupation.
• The owners letting the property and managing it themselves either privately or through the Council's Afford Scheme
• Leasing the property under the management of a private letting agent.
• Selling the property to a private purchaser or developer.

 

What Financial Assistance May Be Available?

An interest free loan is available where the owner agrees to make the property available through a nomination agreement for private rental to a tenant nominated by the Council.

Applications for Empty Property Home Improvement Loans are considered from owners of dwellings that have been vacant for six months or more that require work to make them suitable for occupation.

A loan will be considered:

• where it is determined that a ‘serious hazard’ exists that would affect the health and safety of a tenant, or where works are required to conform to the Decent Homes Standard and remedial works are determined as the most satisfactory course of action; OR
• to provide an energy efficient heating system and works to improve thermal insulation.

An interest free loan of up to £5,000 towards the cost of the work (including fees and VAT) is offered as an incentive to provide accommodation for persons seeking private rented accommodation referred by the Council’s Housing Options Team.  The owner is required to enter into a Nomination Agreement with the Council for a period of not less than 3 years.

  

An interest free loan of between £5,000 and £10,000 will be offered where the owner is prepared to enter into a Nomination Agreement with the Council for a period of not less than 5 years.

The full loan and administration fee are repayable on conclusion of the Agreement, or immediately on the disposal or sale of the property, or in the case of a breach of condition. 

 

What Powers Do Local Authorities Have To Return Empty Properties Back Into Use?

Under the Housing Act 2004 local authorities can consider the use of Empty Dwelling Management Orders that enable them to take over the management function of the property.  The management can then be carried out either by the local authority or passed on to a managing agent.

Guidance is available at www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/emptyhomes (this is an external hyperlink)or a booklet can be requested from the Council’s Empty Property Co-ordinator.

 

If you are the owner of an empty dwelling and wish to discuss any of the above options or require further advice, please contact the Customer Service Centre on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk