Empty homes to be tranformed to fill housing shortage

5:44pm Tuesday 18th November 2008

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RESIDENTS are being asked to become nosy neighbours and report empty houses in a move to transform vacant properties into desirable homes.

More than 2,000 deserted dwellings have already been identified across Stockton borough in a bid to help ease the housing crisis.

The Empty Properties Team at Stockton Council is trying to make the homes habitable again by working with their owners offering advice on selling and renting and information on local contractors and developers looking to invest.

The team has powers to force owners who are unable or unwilling to take action in a bid to make them habitable again.

The council provided £225,000 of funding which was matched by Registered Social Landlord, Accent Foundation, who were appointed as a partner to buy specific long-term empty properties.

An empty home is defined as a property, which has remained vacant for more than six months.

Michael Poole, an estate agent with branches across Teesside, said the homes would be most suitable for the investment market.

He said: "If the properties are in need of repair many first time buyers will not have the extra money for that. Unless first-time buyers have a 10 per cent deposit and a squeaky-clean references they are unlikely to get a mortgage now and will be forced to rent."

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety was speaking ahead of The Empty Homes National Week of Action runs from November 24 to 28.

He said: "Empty properties can not only be an eyesore to an area, but they can attract anti-social behaviour.

"The council’s empty property team can work with people affected as they have access to resources both within the council and externally who may be able to offer a solution.

"To mark National Empty Homes Week, the team will be encouraging members of the public to report long-term empty properties to help bring them back to use.

"There are so many people looking for good accommodation, it is such a waste to have properties lying empty."

To report any empty homes in Stockton borough call 01642-526687 or email smemptyproperties@stockton.gov.uk