A demonstration of the ease at which empty property owners can bring their house or flat back into use and help tackle a local homes shortage is being made by Bath & North East Somerset Council coinciding with national Empty Property Week.
The revamp of two homes is part of the ‘No Use Empty’ West of England Empty Property Initiative which encourages, enables and assists owners to bring their empty properties back into use for residential accommodation.
There are an estimated 440 properties that have been empty for more than six months in Bath and North East Somerset – the figure in the West of England is 5,000.
Councillor Tim Ball (Lib-Dem, Twerton), Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, said, “Encouraging owners of empty properties to bring them back into use is crucial if Bath & North East Somerset Council and its partner councils are to increase the number of homes for local people.
“By showing the extensive help and support available to the two owners of these empty properties, we hope to show others how straightforward it is to start receiving income for their investment, whilst playing their part in easing our homes shortage. There is extensive advice and, in some cases, financial assistance available from your local council. Empty property owners are not alone if they need help.”
The Council will be doing a pictorial diary of one of the properties being revamped on its Twitter feed – http://www.twitter.com/bathnes.
The starting point for empty property owners is the West of England Councils website – http://www.no-use-emptywest.co.uk – which is the one stop shop for information about owning a property, buying and selling, letting an empty property, making improvements, case studies, and FAQs.
This is an old cottage in a state of disrepair needing a complete renovation and update. It has a water leak affecting the kitchen, no bathroom, and is full of old furniture, amongst other DIY issues. During Empty Property Week, the house will be made a home again with the help of Cleanslate, a local social enterprise employing long-term unemployed people.
The Council has provided advice to Charles and has put him in contact with Cleanslate to clear the property.
Property owner Charles Sollis said, “I would have found it difficult without the Council’s help to get these problems sorted. Their Housing Team pointed me in the right direction putting me on contact with Clean Slate. Once they have helped me to clear the decks I will be able to see where I am going and make better progress. I really want to make the property habitable once again so that people can enjoy their lives in it once again.”
This property was in a very poor state internally and externally with an overgrown garden. Cleanslate have helped to secure the property and clear the gardens. The house has been cleaned and tidied, unwanted items cleared, and one of the rooms decorated. This initial work highlights the possibilities to both Mr. Solly and future prospective buyers with the aim of bringing the home back into use.
The Council provided extensive guidance and information to Andy, including arranging for a surveyor to consider what condition the property was in.
Property owner Andy Sullis Solly, said, “I really appreciate the help and advice I’ve been given by Bath & North East Somerset Council. I feel far more positive about the property. The previous state of the house was of a real concern and I simply didn’t know where to turn. Anyone in this same position should contact their local council who will be able to help.”
Follow the improvements made at both properties on Twitter from Monday 5th December 2011.
Empty property owners in Bath and North East Somerset can contact the Council on 01225 477967.
