Empty homes enforcement

Use it or lose it

The empty homes team are committed to working with owners to bring empty properties back into use through voluntary action.

There are instances where owners fail to act voluntarily to use or release their empty properties onto the market. Where there appears to be no likelihood of the property being returned to use through voluntary means the empty homes team will consider the option of enforcement action.

Enforcement toolkit

Three key enforcement tools are available to the empty homes team:

Enforced sale

Used to force the sale of a privately owned property where there is a financial charge in favour of the Council.

Compulsory purchase orders

Used to purchase a privately owned empty property without the owners’ permission when all other options have been exhausted to bring the property back into use.

Empty dwellings management orders

These orders give the Council the power to take over the management of an empty property and reoccupy it.

If you require help or advice to bring your property back into use or you want to report empty properties near you please contact us.