Help available for owners of Stroud’s 1,600 empty properties
Published: Monday, 23 September, 2019
Stroud District Council is backing National Empty Homes week to call on the owners of Stroud’s 1,600 empty properties to find out more about how it can help bring their properties back into use.
There are around 1,600 privately-owned properties lying empty in the Stroud district, of which more than 500 have been empty for six months or longer.
National Empty Homes Week (23-29 September) aims to raise awareness of long-term empty homes, and highlight the support available from local authorities, community-led organisations and housing providers.
Stroud District Council’s Housing Renewal team work with people who own empty properties to help bring them back into use and improve the appearance of those that fall into disrepair.
Maria Hickman, SDC’s Housing Renewal Manager said:
“An empty property can cost up to £10,000 a year in loss of rental income, maintenance, security, insurance and Council Tax, however we can offer an interest free loan of up to £15,000 to help bring an empty property back into use for affordable rented housing.”
For further information or to report an empty property visit https://www.stroud.gov.uk/housing/private-sector-housing/empty-homes or contact the Housing Renewal team on 01453 754478 or by email at environmental.health@stroud.gov.uk.