Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council considers that an empty property is a wasted asset both for an owner and also for someone who is in need of housing. In addition to this, an empty property can have negative impacts on the surrounding area (for example, vandalism, squatters, effects on property prices in the area).
There are significant costs to owners associated with leaving a property empty;
- you are losing out on a regular rental income,
- you are responsible for payment of Council Tax instead of the tenant,
- you are paying higher insurance premiums,
- you will receive reduced interest on the proceeds of the sale,
- you will suffer deterioration in the fabric of the property,
- you will have to pay for security measures to prevent squatters, and
- you will have to pay for repairs to damage caused by vandals.
It is also worth noting that a property which has been empty for a long period of time may result in a reduction in the eventual sale price.
How the Council can help
It is a natural feature of the housing market that properties fall in and out of occupation. At present, there are around 1700 to 1800 empty homes in the Borough at any one time. However, some of these have been empty for considerable periods. There are over 5,000 people on the council's Housing Register. Building new properties will not solve this problem alone. Therefore, the Council is committed to bring as many empty properties back into use as possible.
There are a number of ways in which the Council aims to achieve this;
Private Sector Leasing Scheme
The council's Private Sector Leasing Scheme with Downland Housing Association is currently under review.
Putting you in touch with a prospective owner
There has been a great deal of interest from people in the area wanting to buy empty properties and renovate them. The Data Protection Act 1984 prevents the Council from providing potential buyers with the empty property owner's details.
However, the Council can write to the owner and advise him that someone is interested in purchasing his empty property and put both parties in touch. I should stress that the Council is not liable or responsible in any way nor can it guarantee that the owner will reply. This service is for information only and the Council will not put pressure on the owner to sell it.
Empty Dwelling Management Orders
On 6 April 2006, Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMO) became law. These orders will enable Councils to take over management of an empty property where the owner has made no attempt to bring it back into use himself. Further information on Empty Dwelling Management Orders can be found here.
If you are either an owner, and would like to sell your empty property, a prospective buyer, or if you would like to report an empty property within the Borough, please contact the Housing Advice Team, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 4UT or telephone number 01256 845250, or email housing@basingstoke.gov.uk