Below is an extract taken from the draft Empty Homes Strategy document. Full details should be published shortly.

Introduction
Empty properties are a wasted resource particularly when there is a housing shortage in South Hams. Empty properties can contribute towards the degeneration of an area including undermining community spirit.  

The updated strategy should lead to a range of tangible benefits for the local authority, the empty property owners, and the community:

• The local authority benefits from meeting the housing need of local people, reducing the need to build on Greenfield sites, generating additional Council Tax, and preventing empty properties from becoming the focus of anti-social behaviour.
• The empty-property owner benefits from the provision of support and advice on options for the re-use of their empty property, and possible financial assistance and support to turn their costly empty property into a valuable asset.
• The people living in South Hams benefit through improving the existing built environment, helping maintain safe attractive neighbourhoods, and preventing depreciation of property values.
• Regeneration and increased investment in areas will also provide a boost to the morale of local communities.
• A successful Empty Homes Strategy will also help provide more affordable housing, reducing pressure on existing housing stock.

Grant Assistance
The Council’s Private Sector Renewal policy currently offers grant to owners of empty homes that are in poor condition, to carry out necessary works to bring the property up to a decent standard.  

The grant is for 75% of the cost of the agreed work and can be up to a maximum of £25,000.  Please note there are conditions attached: the property must be let for at least 5 years to tenants nominated by the Council, at an affordable rent, which will vary depending upon the size of the accommodation.

After the 5 year period, there will be no requirement to repay any of the grant, whether or not the dwelling continues to be let.

The amount of grant will depend on the cost of the work that is considered necessary to make the property suitable for occupation and this will normally include any necessary major repairs to the structure, upgrading of bathroom and kitchen facilities, heating and thermal insulation; however it does not include things like redecoration or floor coverings.

 
For further details, please contact the Environmental Health Housing Team on 01803 861234 or email us on environmental.health@southhams.gov.uk