Many people in Cheshire East need homes. Land to build new houses is scarce, so reusing empty homes is a good source of housing.
Report an empty home
If you would like to report an empty home complete the below online form. The form will take 5 minutes to complete.
Report an empty homeTo find out how we use your information see our privacy notice (opens in a new window) (opens in new tab).
Why homes are left empty
Many empty homes are only empty for a short time. This may be because:
- the property is being refurbished
- it is being sold
- it is being let to tenants
- the owner's estate is being settled
These homes usually return to use without council involvement.
- There are other empty homes where the owner is unable to bring the home back into use without some help. This might be because they don't have the:
- time
- knowledge
- or the money
We want to support these owners to bring homes back into use, where they are struggling to do this on their own.
Some properties stay empty because they have been abandoned or because the owner has chosen not to use them. In some cases, owners keep properties empty while waiting for market conditions to improve. Others may have moved away and lost touch with the property.
We encourage owners to bring these homes back into use. If a property remains empty without good reason, we may use legal powers available to us.
Why the council is interested in empty homes
We have a strategic responsibility for housing in our area, ensuring that everyone has access to an affordable, decent and appropriate home. We want our neighbourhoods to be attractive places to live for everyone.
Empty homes often fall into disrepair and can cause problems for immediate neighbours and the wider community as they can attract anti social behaviour such as:
- vandalism
- fly-tipping
- squatting
- arson attacks
Bring your empty home back into use
There are several options available.
Sell the property
You can sell the property yourself or use an estate agent.
Estate agents charge a fee, but they can:
- market the property more widely
- offer advice about selling
- manage parts of the sales process
Some social housing providers may be interested in buying your property, particularly if its on an estate that they manage.
Let the property
You can either let the property privately, or through a recognised letting agent. Our Housing Options team works with landlords who are willing to let properties to people who need housing.
If you do decide to let your property, it must reach a minimum standard; see housing standards.
Download our 'Breathing Life into Empty Homes' services list (PDF, 256KB) for more information.
Lease your property through a property management company
You can agree a longer-term lease with a property management company.
For example, a company may lease the property from you for an agreed period of time, for example 3 or 5 years, and sub-let it to a tenant.
This can provide a guaranteed rental income. The income may be lower than letting the property yourself, but the company takes responsibility for managing the tenancy. It also continues to pay the agreed rent between tenancies.
Some companies can also provide finance for repair work needed before the property can be occupied.
Improve the property
Use reputable tradespeople and try to get at least three quotes. Where possible, check references.
The Buy with Confidence scheme offers details of contractors who have undergone checks by Trading Standards.
Some work requires building regulations approval. Certain types of work must be completed by contractors who belong to approved schemes, including work involving:
- gas
- electrics
- windows and doors.
If the property has been empty for at least 2 years, renovation work may qualify for a reduced VAT rate of 5%.
More information about this can be found at Gov.UK. We may be able to provide evidence that the property has been empty for this period.
Enforcement powers
If we have exhausted all reasonable options with the owner and a property remains empty, we may consider enforcement action.
Options include:
- a compulsory purchase order
- an empty dwelling management order
- forcing a sale where money is owed to the council, such as unpaid Council Tax or costs from emergency works
- serving notices that require repairs or security works under relevant legislation
We assess each case individually. We consider the property's history, condition and any previous action taken to bring it back into use
Buying an empty home
If you want to buy an empty property, you can use the Land Registry's find a property service to identify the owner. A fee applies.
If you cannot identify the owner, contact the Housing Standards and Adaptations team. We will try to contact the owner on your behalf and let them know you are interested in buying the property.
Data protection laws prevent us from sharing owner details directly with you
Reporting an empty home causing problems
If an empty property is causing problems in your area, complete the Report an Empty Home online form.
Need advice
If you own an empty home, and want information and advice about how to bring it back into use, contact the Housing Standards and Adaptations team.
Useful links
Action on Empty Homes is an independent charity, and provides useful information about bringing empty homes back into use.
Local authorities in Kent have developed a useful website No Use Empty which provides a wide range of useful information.
Advice guide on dealing with squatters