Bringing empty properties back into use is an integral part of our vision to ensure that all people in Bath and North East Somerset have access to decent and affordable housing that enables a good quality of life
Bath is a heritage city with many listed buildings and there is a high demand for housing in the area – empty properties are a wasted opportunity and have a negative effect on the surrounding community.
Working in partnership with the owners of empty properties to encourage them to bring their properties back into use ensures the community as a whole benefits.
Bath and North East Somerset first launched its empty property policy in 1999. The success of this has led to a number of private sector properties being brought back into use and is led by the Empty Property Officer within the Housing Services Team. The policy is currently under review.
Bringing an empty property back into use is beneficial for the community and owner. Leaving homes empty can lead to a significant loss of potential income. It is also costly in extra insurance premiums and as a result of deterioration and maintenance because it has been left empty.
Owners may risk their property being repossessed by building societies and banks due to abandonment if owner have not notified them that the property is empty and or been left uninsured.
The Council will consider taking enforcement action on those properties which have been left empty for no good reason and are considered to be causing a significant nuisance to neighbours and the local community.
How can we help?
We can provide general advice and information on renovating, selling or renting out your property. We are working to introduce a range of incentives.
Contact the Empty Property Officer Anna Cheek 01225 477967 or email anna_cheek@bathnes.gov.uk
Additional information and advice is available from the West of England Partnership website and following the links click here.
If you are interested in selling your property you can register on the online empty property catalogue
- Report an empty property
- Register your interest if you are, for example a developer, interested in purchasing empty properties
- Information on local letting and estate agents and auction houses
- Frequently asked questions – about Empty Properties
- Newletters – Empty property news providing information about the initiatives taken by the West of England authorities
- Useful links – for further information
The West of England partnership covers the old Avon area and consists of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol City, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset Councils. We work closely with each other to share best practice and resources.
More information is available by contacting the Empty Homes Agency click here: www.emptyhomes.com
The Government has introduced VAT incentives to help when renovating empty properties, for more information follow the links to HM Customs and Excise website
click here www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/sectors/builders/construction.htm
Empty properties can represent a significant loss of income, but this is help and support available for those owners considering renting out their empty property.
Further Help and Information
The National Landlord Association has a website for guidance and support to landlords
click here www.landlords.org.uk
There is a Landlords Manual available to download, (the link is on right hand of this page), together with downloadable housing information sheets
Local Housing Allowance
Information is available from council tax about the local housing allowance rates which show the maximum housing benefit tenants might be eligible for. click here
Council tax
Information is available about whether your property is eligible for an exemption on council tax. An application form can be downloaded by following the links, or contacting the council. click here
Further advice may be available by contacting other council department by following these links;
Planning and listed buildings services click here
Building control services click here
Environmental health click here
Homesearch advertises privately rented properties click here for further information about this scheme