An empty home is a wasted asset, both for the owner and the community. An empty home may encourage and lead to crime, become an eye-sore and reduce the value of surrounding properties.

We will take action in respect of long-term vacant private properties to ensure that they are brought back into use.

Where the owner of a property which has been vacant for a long time is unwilling or unable to return it to use, we may take enforcement action including, if appropriate, the making of a compulsory purchase order.

If you know of any vacant or unsecured houses where owners fail to bring them back into occupation, please let us know.

We were one of the first authorities in the country to adopt an Empty Property Strategy.

Following changes to legislation and reduced funding, we are currently reviewing our empty property strategy.