Empty homes

Empty properties can blight a whole neighbourhood and are socially, environmentally and economically unacceptable.

They represent a wasted housing resource for the local population and can attract anti-social behaviour including vandalism, arson and fly tipping. A run down empty property can adversely affect neighbouring house prices and are a wasted asset for the owner.

Empty properties are also a national problem. They often become derelict and can have a negative effect on a neighbourhood, attracting fly-tipping, graffiti and pests. They can also be damaging to the desirability of an area. Crucially bringing empty homes back into use is beneficial in addressing the national shortage of affordable homes.

The government has already introduced a number of policies to attempt to address this problem. All councils are required to have an Empty Homes Strategy. Plymouth has a well-established Empty Homes Team. They work with the local Empty Homes Partnership and use a variety of methods to bring long-term empty homes back into use.

The Housing Act 2004 introduces new powers to Councils. This will allow them to take over management of empty dwellings when other methods have failed. This will allow the council to secure occupation and proper management of privately owned homes.

For further information contact the Empty Homes Team (contact details shown right).

Plymouth’s nationally acclaimed Empty Homes Team is dedicated to returning empty properties back into use. The team has an award winning 2002 to 2007 Empty Homes Strategy (more information can be downloaded from the documents table below), which sets out its objectives for maximising the re use of derelict empty properties. This strategy was reviewed in 2004 and 2005 (more information can be downloaded from the documents table below).

The Empty Homes Team has a programme of schemes, which allows us to offer advice and assistance to owners wishing to let, sell or renovate their property.

Our current schemes include:

HouseLet

HouseLet is an innovative new initiative whereby private landlords can lease their properties to Plymouth City Council. If you have an empty property to rent the Empty Homes Team would like to hear from you.

Living over the shops (LOTS)

LOTS is a scheme to introduce empty space above commercial premises back into use.

The aim of the scheme is to provide residential accommodation within vacant or underused upper floors of shops and other commercial buildings.

Benefits of LOTS:

• provide high quality affordable housing
• improve the appearance of local shopping centres
• make effective use of wasted resources
• prevent crime and improve the safety and comfort of residents

If you have wasted space above your commercial premises we can offer advice and assistance to help change its use to residential premises. Working with Sarsen Housing Association we can offer you:

• advice through the renovation
• 5 years guaranteed rent
• full tenancy management
• full property management

We are currently working on a LOTS project specific to the Devonport area, which is supported by the Devonport Regeneration Company.

Advice and assistance for owners of empty properties

An empty home can cost its owner more that £7,500 per annum in lost rental income, insurance and council tax liability.

If you own an empty property and wish to find further information regarding how you can sell, let or renovate it we have the contacts to help you. From specialist construction firms to insurance companies we will be able to point you in the right direction.

If you require further information or wish to report an empty property in your area please contact the Empty Homes Team on 01752 307550 , 01752 307070 or 01752 307074 or by email dhs.empty.homes.team@plymouth.gov.uk.

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