Empty homes
Support in bringing empty homes back into use
Grants and loans
We can offer financial assistance to help with the costs of refurbishment. Grants and loans are available for bringing empty homes back into use and for the conversion of obsolete commercial premises to provide much needed residential property.
All grant assistance is subject to availability.
Housing Assistance Policy
Further information about the types of financial help available including information on eligibility criteria, procedures and conditions of assistance can be found in our Housing Assistance Policy.
Landlords and owners with empty homes
You may be aware of third parties who provide solutions to landlords and owners of empty homes. One such scheme that has been brought to our attention is the empty home support for homeowners by Serco.
Please note, however, that the scheme has simply been brought to the attention of us, and we have not undertaken any due diligence in relation to the same. To that end, we make no representations or warranties in respect of Serco and/or the scheme, and shall be in no way be held liable for anything arising from any involvement in the scheme, including any property dealing.
Empty Homes Matchmaker Service
Accommodation providers such as private landlords, registered providers and property developers can play an important role in bringing empty homes back into use.
The Empty Homes Matchmaker Service “matches” and brings together those empty homeowners who wish to sell their empty home with accommodation providers who wish to purchase an empty home and bring it back into use. If you are a private landlord who is accredited with the Cheshire Landlord Accreditation Scheme, the Matchmaker Service is available to you.
For further details about the Empty Homes Matchmaker Service, please ring our Empty Homes Team on 0300 123 7038.
We understand that homes will become empty for short periods of time whilst they are renovated or improved prior to letting or sale. This is a natural feature of the property market and these homes do not generally represent a problem but properties that have been empty for over six months are classified as being long term empties and these are the ones that we focus on.
Every empty home across the borough is a wasted resource particularly when there is a significant need and a lack of supply of affordable housing. Returning empty homes back into use makes good economic sense as it is both cheaper and faster than building new homes. At the same time, it is friendlier to our environment as it makes use of an untapped existing resource.
If not maintained, empty homes can become eyesores and also attract antisocial behaviour, which is understandably concerning for neighbouring property owners.
