LB Waltham Forest has 3,293 empty properties (1 April 2007) of which 1,681 are long-term empty properties. Long term empty means any property that has been empty for six months or more. The empty property grant is to enable refurbishment of these properties and return them back into use.
Empty properties are a waste of a useful resource in the borough at a time when so many households are registered for housing with the council. Other reasons why empty properties are a bad idea:
- Ongoing dilapidation
- Affect the adjoining properties (disrepair, infestation, security etc.)
- Reduce property prices in the locality
- Discourages investment in the area
- Encourages vandalism and crime
- Target for drugs related activity
In addition the owner is deprived of possible income from the property as well as not providing a much-needed unit of accommodation for local households in housing need.
The empty Property Grant offers up to £10,000 per unit of accommodation (dependent on funds being available). New units created as part of bringing an older property back into use can also be awarded the grant.
In return for the grant the council will expect five years nomination rights where it will nominate households from its housing register. The rents will be 15% below Reference Rent (the rent set by the Rent Officer Service). The landlord will be expected to become an accredited landlord.
However, if the project is not completed then the grant will be capped and any balance due will not be paid.
This project is funded by the East London Housing Partnership.
For further information please contact:
Paul Ahmed
Empty Property Officer
Tel: 020 8496 5518
E-mail: empty.property@walthamforest.gov.uk
