You can access free advice and assistance to bring empty homes back into use.
Empty homes cause several problems within neighbourhoods:
They can attract crime and anti-social behaviour
They can affect the image of an area
They can devalue surrounding homes
They stop people who are homeless or vulnerable from getting a home.
If you own an empty home, and want free advice about how to bring it back into use, contact the Empty Homes Officer:
Phone: 0161 770 4451
The Empty Homes Officer will arrange to meet you at the property to make an inspection and to discuss the options.
Options include:
The property could be reused by the owner, or their relatives or friends
The owner could rent or lease the property
The owner can sell the property to another potential owner/occupier, developer or housing association
The council can take legal action against owners of empty homes, or can buy the house under force when absolutely necessary.
Contact the Land Registry (a charge applies):
Phone: 01253 849849
Fax: 0125 384 0001
Owners could benefit from the following:
If you become a landlord, you can charge rent.
We can help you to find suitable tenants.
You can benefit from security against vandalism and squatting.
We can offer property management advice.
You will have long term investment potential.
Rent deposit guarantee and housing benefit paid direct to the owner.
Neighbours of empty homes may benefit from:
The removal of a local ‘eyesore’.
Improvement of the local area, maybe attracting investment into the area.
A safer place to live