Bringing empty properties back into use
We can offer:
- Free advice to enable you to let and manage the property yourself
- Worry free and comprehensive management service if you choose to let it through us, including assistance with day to day repairs.
- To buy the property from you in its present condition to repair and sell/rent out ourselves.
Empty Property Grant
Empty Property Grants are intended to reduce the number of long term empty properties by providing financial help to restore or renovate them so that they can be brought back into use. They are available to owners of residential properties that have been empty for 6 months or longer.
Grant Eligibility
- The dwelling will be let to a tenant nominated by the Housing Options Service.
- The rent will be set in accordance with the Local House Allowance.
- The property has been empty for at least 6 months according to Council records.
- Once renovated the dwelling will address a housing need of the City.
- The owners own the freehold of the property or a lease with at least 10 years interest remaining in the property.
- The works are not eligible for assistance under an insurance or third party claim.
- On completion of works the property will meet the decent homes standard.
- The Grant amount is 50% of up to £30,000 of the eligible costs.
Important information for empty property owners in Gloucester.
Should you wish to obtain more information please contact the Empty Property Officer on telephone 01452 396554 or email enviro@gloucester.gov.uk.
Improvement For Sale on Vacant Properties
If your property is in need of renovation and you cannot sell it or you do not have the funds to repair it you could get subject to funding:
- the council to buy your vacant property
- a price based on a open market value set by a professional valuer
- an offer which takes into account the cost of works to make the property saleable
- savings on estate agency fees
- the council paying for reasonable solicitor costs on the sale of the property.
Empty Properties For Sale
You could get: - interested potential buyers wanting details of empty properties
- the council acting as an initial point of contact between the seller and buyer
- a confidential service if you do not wish to have buyers contacting you directly
- the council acting on your instruction to pass on any information to a buyer
- potential savings on estate agency fees
Properties For Private Rent
You could get: - your property on a file for rented accommodation
- the rent officer advising what rent you could get before committing yourself to a lease agreement
- the council putting forward a client(s) appropriate to your property
- the council acting as the initial point of contact and intermediary in a private leasing arrangement
- advice and assistance with leasing agreements and housing benefit payments
Information on Housing Options for Landlords
Rent In Advance For Private Renting
You could get for certain clients:
- the council putting forward a homeless client as your tenant
- a council cheque for 4 weeks rent at the beginning of a tenancy on behalf of a homeless client
- any housing benefit payments paid directly to you the landlord/landlady
- the homelessness team ensuring all forms are completed and returned to housing benefit
If you would like more information on these options please contact Environmental Health.
Useful Links
Last Updated 01/07/2008
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