What is classed as an empty home?
A property which has been empty (unoccupied) for six months or more is considered to be a long term empty home.
Central government encourages councils to take action to bring empty homes back into use and use their powers under the Housing Act 2004 as well as other legislation to achieve this.
Negative impact of empty properties
A property which is left empty and not maintained will, over time, begin to impact on its surroundings including neighbouring properties whose condition and value might be adversely affected.
Empty properties are at risk from being broken into, squatters and may become a target for arson.
Advantages of bringing empty properties back into use
- Prevents the negative impact on a neighbourhood
- Reduces the need to build more new homes
- The reuse of existing buildings is generally more environmentally sustainable than building new homes
- It can act as a catalyst for wider regeneration by building confidence in the housing market
What do we do about empty properties?
The Private Sector Housing Team contacts the main interested parties of empty properties and offers advice and support to those wishing to bring the property back into use.
Advice on any available government funded loans eg empty homes loans through the Kent wide 'No Use Empty' campaign will be given where appropriate.
Enforcement action can also be taken to ensure that long term empty properties are brought back into use.
Contact the team to discuss your plans and options for the property going forward, 01474 337960, or via private.housing@gravesham.gov.uk
No Use Empty scheme
No Use Empty (NUE) is a national award-winning scheme delivered by Kent County Council. The main aim is to provide loans to bring empty properties back into use as quality housing accommodation for either rent or sale.
Report an empty property
We use Council Tax records as a primary source of information to identify empty homes, but where data is not available, an empty property can be reported to us on our form.
GBC Lettings
GBC Lettings is a not for profit letting agency based within the Council. There is a £500.00 incentive available for any landlords with a property that has been empty for more than 6 months let through GBC Lettings.
