NFDC bring 12 empty homes back into use to improve areas and provide new housing

EMPTY homes that were left to rot now have people living in them after New Forest District Council helped bring them back into use.

The authority took ownership of 12 private homes, one of which had been abandoned for more than 15 years, which were then sold on the open market. The money raised is used to cover the council’s charges, and funds left over are returned to the previous owner.

NFDC works to reduce the number of empty properties that exist across the district in a bid to alleviate housing needs and reduce the impact run-down buildings have on communities.

Cllr Steve Davies, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for housing and homelessness, said: “We’ve worked hard to make sure properties are not left empty for long periods. The 12 homes brought back into use this year have helped to meet needs in the private housing sector, mainly through private sale, and improve the quality of the immediate neighbourhood they are located in.

“Our Empty Homes strategy makes it clear to owners and landlords of empty properties that we will support them. Our role as a district council is to help people with their empty properties, and work with the owners to find solutions to issues they might be facing. In some cases, enforcement is the only option left.

“Recently, our teams including housing and legal services, collaborated to bring a long-term empty property back into use. The house had been unoccupied for over 15 years, and we worked hard to ensure it was sold and that the property achieved market value. Contractors cleared the house and garden, and we undertook an enforced sale under the Property of Law Act 1925.

“From this one sale, nearly £59,000 of council charges and costs have been recovered on behalf of council tax payers.”

Those with information on empty properties can contact NFDC’s private sector housing team by visiting www.newforest.gov.uk/article/999/Private-housing#h21