Local authority assistance with empty homes For many empty homes matters the best approach is to contact the local council. Councils have a number of enforcement powers which can help with problem empty homes; many local authorities have an empty homes strategy which sets out the action they take to tackle empty homes in their area. You can ask for a copy or search for information on their website. Dedicated empty homes officers or teams at the council may also be able to assist you. Expand Local authority assistance with empty homes For many empty homes related matters the best approach is to contact your local authority (or local council). Many local authorities have an empty homes strategy which sets out the action they take to tackle empty homes in their areas. You can ask for a copy or see the information they put on their website. Many local authorities have empty homes teams or staff who specialise in providing advice to owners of empty homes to help ensure they bring them back into use. These Officers can also assist you if an empty home in your area is causing a nuisance or negatively impacting your own home or living conditions (for example through dereliction, becoming a magnet for crime or anti-social behaviour, or through infestation with vermin or even over-grown shrubs or greenery on your boundaries). If you are an owner of an empty home or you are just concerned about empty homes in your area, we encourage you to contact them. They can also advise you on any funding or grants you may be eligible for, as well as any local schemes they are running to get empty properties back into use.
Locations for film and TV and how to find them Action on Empty Homes does not have access to lists of empty properties or their owners with regard to using them as film locations. If however you have a media enquiry about the 'empty homes issue' we can put you in touch with organisations and council officers working actively on the issue around the country. Some tips on accessing abandoned properties for locations follow. Expand Locations for films and how to find them Action on Empty Homes does not have access to lists of empty properties or their owners with regard to using them as film locations. If however you have a media enquiry about the 'empty homes issue' we can put you in touch with organisations and council officers working actively on the issue around the country. For general location enquiries the best way in which you can source abandoned properties is as follows: • Estate agents – whilst you may not want to buy an empty property, local estate agents may know of properties which are on the market or about to be put on the market and they can sometimes put you in contact with the owners about using the property for this purpose. • Council empty homes officers – if the council run an active scheme supporting those renovating empty properties they may be in touch with owners or developers who can help however in general estate agents are more likely to be able to offer speedy access to a suitable property.
Statistics for particular local council areas The government publish data annually on vacant dwellings for each local authority and for England as a whole. This empty homes data is derived from local authority Council Taxbase data, which is submitted by councils to the MInistry for Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in October each year. Expand Statistics for particular authorities Each year the government publishes data on vacant dwellings for each local authority and for England as a whole. This data is derived from local authority Council Taxbase data, which is a snapshot of the position in October each year. Action on Empty Homes produces the only authoritative independent analysis of this data. If you are a local campaigner or media organisation please contact us for further details about your area. To simply view the Government data please go to table 615 vacant dwellings: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-dwelling-stock-including-vacants We advise reading the notes that come with the data before using the statistics, you can also see further detailed analysis including mapping in our Publications and Research by clicking this link
Refurbishing empty homes and obtaining grant funding In order to find out what grant funding is available, please get in touch with your local authority. They often have dedicated empty homes teams who will be able to give you information. Expand Refurbishing empty homes and obtaining grant funding In order to find out what grant funding is available, please get in touch with your local authority. They often have dedicated empty homes teams who will be able to give you any information on any schemes they are running or advice on how to get funding to bring an empty property back into use.
How do I find empty property in my area? Action on Empty Homes does not have a list of empty properties or have direct access to any empty homes themselves. However, an empty property can be sourced through a number of routes, these are: Expand How do I find empty properties in my area? Action on Empty Homes does not have a list of empty properties or have access to any empty homes themselves. However, an empty property can be sourced through: • The Local Authority – they may be aware of the empty properties in the area and may be able to provide you with a list or put you in touch with individual owners. • Auctions – auction catalogues are a good place to start with when searching for empty properties that are for sale. • Walking down the High Street – you may spot empty properties as you are walking around town. (See the above tips for trying to find the owner of the property).
How do I find the owner of an abandoned property? Action on Empty Homes does not have the capacity to assist individuals or property developers in locating the owners of individual empty properties, but we can access expert advice for you and there are a number of ways in which the owner may be located, these are listed here: Expand How do I find the owner of an abandoned property? Whilst Action on Empty Homes does not have the capacity to assist individuals or property developers in locating the owners of empty properties, there are a number of ways in which the owner may be located: • Ask the neighbours – a lot of neighbours may know who owns the property in question and they may have details of how to get in touch with them. They may also be able to provide confirmation as to whether the property is actually occupied or not. • If the neighbours are unsure if the property is occupied or do not have a way to contact the owner, then consider dropping a note through the door asking them to get in touch with you. • For a small fee you can consult the Land Registry to find out if the property is registered and if so who owns the particular property. You can also confirm things like the boundaries of the land and anyone who may have a financial interest in the property, such as a mortgagee. The Land Registry can be accessed via the web link: http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/ • Local Authority – the housing departments or empty homes team at the relevant local authority may be aware of the owner and be able to help put you in contact with them. • Detective or tracing agency – could be engaged in order to try and trace the owner or monitor the property for any activity. • Neighbourhood Watch: if the property is part of a local Neighbourhood Watch area, you may be able to ask local residents if they have seen any signs of activity at the house. • Check the Electoral register – if the owner of the property is registered to vote they will be registered on the Electoral Register.