Thirty long-term empty houses across North Kesteven have been brought back into use as lived-in homes in the last 12 months through direct intervention and support from the Council and its cross-departmental working group.
With two more weeks still to go before the year-end, the annual target of 20 has been exceeded by 50 percent, in-part through proactive steps initiated by the Council and by owners of empty properties acting in the face of increased council tax implications for leaving their assets vacant, derelict or in decline.
This is an eight-year high in the numbers of successful interventions on homes empty for two years or more and possibly a record for the initiative that’s directly supported the recovery of 300-plus homes over 14 years.
From April 1 an additional premium on furnished, unoccupied properties will see double council tax apply to second or holiday homes. This will affect almost 300 houses, 270 of which are classed as ‘long-term empty’, having been vacant for six months or more.
In total there are currently 539 properties in North Kesteven that have been empty for six months or more: 255 for over a year; 143 for two or more; 66 four-plus; 30 for five-plus; and 15 for ten or more years.
By standing empty for so long these properties are doing nothing to contribute to local housing need but increasingly present problems and potential dangers within the community as they deteriorate and become derelict.
Since last April any house that has been unfurnished and unoccupied for 12 months or more is subject to an additional liability for council tax – initially twice the rate and the charges increases to three times after five years and four times after 10 years. This includes homes that remain empty after a year of being promoted for sale or rent.
This provides an additional incentive for owners to seek support and guidance to help bring them back in to use.
Councillor Ian Carrington, who has Executive Board oversight for housing, said it was critical for the Council to take such a proactive position on making best use of empty homes since they presented a wasted resource not only for the owners for whom they were a financial drain but also for councils, agencies and communities.
“Whilst an empty property does nothing to enhance the community in which it sits – but rather presents potential environmental, structural and aesthetic harm – one which is occupied puts a roof over people’s heads, enables them to live, work and contribute locally and sustains local shops, schools, businesses, churches and community life.
“There are many benefits through our focus on restoring empty homes for use in stimulating and sustaining stronger, safer, more cohesive communities, and I give enormous credit to everyone involved in helping such properties fulfil their potential.”
A dedicated project officer supports owners of empty properties across North Kesteven and Lincoln to navigate the legislation and understand the opportunities relating to empty homes. Through their targeted intervention and the involvement of a Council-wide initiative drawing in various teams, more than 300 long-term empty homes vacant for two or more years have been brought back into use across North Kesteven in the past 14 years.
Not only do empty homes represent a lost opportunity for someone to be accommodated and contribute to community life, but they can be a target for damage and anti-social behaviour, cause environmental harm and present a danger – making a greater call on public services.
They are also a costly burden for their owners; requiring maintenance, failing to draw an income, and costing potentially thousands of pounds a year more in charges – which adds up to a stronger push to bring them back into use.
After two years of standing empty, the Council’s multi-discipline Empty Property Working Group pays particular attention to try and identity ownership, liaise and unlock barriers to refurbishment and promote to owners potential VAT reductions or other incentives to restoration and re-habitation.
Ways in which owners could be assisted by the Council through the process of returning their assets to use, include planning, technical or trades advice, facilitating marketing opportunities through auction, sale or rent and navigating legal and financial complications.
Cllr Carrington said: “Quite often we find that someone has inherited a property that they simply don’t know what to do with or where to start. But through years of experience our officers can bring various aspects of local intelligence, practical support, advice and understanding of legal considerations, discounts and opportunities to bear which can quite literally unlock doors and barriers; bringing back into fruitful use some cherished and once-loved homes.
“I would encourage anyone who owns or is aware of a property that has been empty for six months or more, to seek out advice and guidance on practicalities and available support – which can include financial assistance such as VAT rebates on building materials – and many related matters. Not to do so can be costly in so many ways to so many; not least to community wellbeing and the escalation of council tax liabilities.”
Additionally, there are circumstances in which council tax discounts and exemptions can be applied, such as structural alterations or initial two months of vacancy.
More information can be found at: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/emptyhomes