Empty homes

Properties become empty for many different reasons. In most cases, they are only empty for a short period of time.

A property, for example, might be empty due to hospital admissions, renovation work, delayed sales or lettings. Under these circumstances, a property will usually be back in use within a few months.

When properties are empty for years however, they can cause problems for the community by attracting anti-social behaviour, vermin and crime.

The negative impact on the local area and damaged caused to other properties can affect the housing market and property values.

Further advice:

• Empty properties - advice
• Council tax discounts and exemptions on empty properties