North Tyneside Council is calling on owners of empty properties to come forward for help renovating their homes.
To mark National Empty Homes Week, taking place from October 15 to 21, the local authority is highlighting the support it offers to owners of empty homes.
Interest-free loans of up to £30,000 are available for necessary improvements to bring properties up to the statutory ‘Decent Homes Standard’ set by government.
The council lease the property, carry out repairs, then let the property as an affordable home. Costs of the improvements are recuperated by the local authority through the tenant’s rent.
Speaking about the initiative, Cllr Steve Cox, cabinet member for Housing, said: “This is a great scheme; it helps to reduce the number of empty properties while also increasing the number of affordable homes available in the borough.
“The majority of vacant properties are generally empty for a relatively short period of time – usually associated with buying and selling, repair or improvement – and do not lead to any problems. However, properties that stand empty for a long time can blight a community and generate complaints, especially if the condition of the property is beginning to deteriorate.
“If you are the owner of a property which has been empty for more than six months and are struggling to afford to complete the necessary repairs to get the property back into use, the council can help. I’d really encourage owners to contact our team and find out more.
The team will also be carrying out surveys in different areas of the borough, as part of Empty Homes Week, to understand why properties are standing empty.
To find out more, email PrivateSector.EmptyHomes@northtyneside.gov.uk or call (0191) 643 6207.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The offer to the owner is:
An interest-free capital loan in the form of the refurbishment of the property to decent homes standard (as far as is practicable within the original design of the property)
The cost of this refurbishment is then paid back to the council via the rental income over the term of an agreed “Exclusive Letting” period, which is a minimum of five years
During the exclusivity period the council’s housing department will manage (taking full responsibility for repairs) and let the property at an affordable rent to an applicant from the housing register
Timescales of exclusivity – and any income the empty home owner can realise during the period – are subject to negotiation with the council after an initial viability assessment
Grant funding may be available to supplement the refurbishment costs and reduce the length of the agreement.
