About Empty Properties

There is currently a serious housing shortage in the District of Stratford-on-Avon, and problems of overcrowding and homelessness are contributed to by empty properties. There are more than 700 empty properties in the district, of which more than 200 have been empty for over two years.

The council is committed to finding solutions to address the long-term problems, and local people have an important role to play.

Empty properties:

• have a serious impact on the viability of communities
• increase the incidence of vandalism, fly tipping, crime and anti-social behaviour
• lead to falls in the level of equity and collapse of local businesses as households move away
• can devalue neighbouring properties by up to 18%

Bringing your empty property back into use will have a positive impact on the local environment. It will help the council address the current housing need and demand and help to support a sustainable community by increasing the housing stock.

The Empty Property Officer can offer advice, information and support on selling/letting and renovating your empty property. Subject to owners meeting the required criteria, Empty Property Assistance Grants may be available.

An annual Empty Homes Newsletter is created to coincide with national Empty Homes Week, providing updates on changes in legislation, progress reports on current projects and news on forthcoming events.

If you would like to find out more information or report an empty property, please contact 01789 260848 or psht@stratford-dc.gov.uk.