Empty Homes
Empty properties in Wealden are a wasted resource, given the district's high housing need and very limited supply of land suitable for the building of new homes due to two thirds of the district being designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.
They can quickly fall into disrepair and attract pests, grafitti and litter, becoming a target for vandalism, squatting, break-ins and arson. This can be very expensive for owners who are already missing out on the potential income from renting or selling the property.
We work with owners and other agencies to tackle these problems. Empty properties brought back into use:
- provide a home for someone in need
- improve a neighbourhood
- give the owner a financial return
We have a range of initiatives aimed at bringing empty homes back into use. Whenever possible we will try to work with owners to provide advice, information and guidance.
Private Sector Leasing can help by relieving inexperienced landlords of the responsibility of letting their property.
The Council will only use enforcement powers if negotiations with the owner have been fully exhausted.
Empty Property Grants
The Empty Property Grant is to encourage owners of properties that have been empty in excess of 6 months to undertake all the necessary works to bring them back into use and up to the PSL scheme standard and to incorporate them into the Council's Private Sector Leasing Scheme (PSL Scheme).
Empty Home Loans are also available to bring Empty Properties up to the Decent Homes Standard. For further information click on the Home Trust website.
Eligibility criteria
Must be a Freeholder or leaseholder with at least 10 years to expiry of lease.
Property needs to have been empty for at least 6 months prior to application date
Properties must be of a suitable size and location that meets the needs of the PSL scheme and capable of meeting the standards of repair and health and safety at reasonable costs.
Properties subject to a prohibition, Empty Dwelling Management, Demolition or Compulsory Purchase Order are excluded from this grant.
Scope of works
Work required to meet the PSL Scheme Standard. This standard ensures that the property meets the decent homes standard as well as additional safety and insulation criteria.
How much assistance can i get?
Subject to financial limitations 100% of the cost of work.
There is no maximum assistance limit however, the Council will consider each case on its own merits and will determine whether bringing the property up to the PSL standard is appropriate having regard to the financial implications and whether it is appropriate to award discretionary assistance in each case.
Are the any conditions?
Following completion of the works the owner will be required to lease their property to the Council for a minimum of five years through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme.
For further Information, Contact the Property Services Section on 01323 443321.
Private Housing Renewal and Empty Homes Strategy
A new Private Housing Renewal Strategy and Empty Homes Strategy has been produced to reflect changes in legislation and government priorities and to provide a comprehensive picture of private sector housing needs, issues and priorities for action over the next five years. The new policy was implemented on 1st August 2009.