Empty Homes
Management of empty properties in Bridgend, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
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Empty homes are a waste of resources and a missed opportunity during times of significant housing need. Whilst there are several reasons a property may become and remain unoccupied; property owners are responsible for preventing their houses from falling into disrepair. Once abandoned, vacant properties can become an eyesore, attracting anti-social behaviour such as unauthorised entry, vandalism, fly-tipping, and pests.
Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) are committed to helping owners bring empty properties back into use and resolve any environmental issues caused.
How is an 'empty property' defined?
A property that has been unoccupied for six months or longer is a long-term (non-transitional) empty property.
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Reporting an empty property
If you are concerned about a property located in Bridgend, Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan that has been empty for longer than 6 months or has become unsecured, you can report it to us by using the button below. Our officers will start to make enquiries to find out who owns the property and take preventive measures to stop the property from falling into disrepair.
When reporting an empty property to us, please include the following information:
- The full address of the property
- Property type (e.g., flat or house)
- A description of the property condition from the outside
- The length of time the property has been empty
- Name and contact details of the owner (if known)
- Anything else you know about the property
- Your contact details
Please Note: It is not an offence to leave a property unoccupied and enforcement action may not always be possible. Enforcement action will only be taken as a last resort if the property continues to cause a nuisance or blight to an area.
Unsure what to do with an Empty Property?
If you have an Empty Property and are unsure of the options available to you. Please complete the our Empty Property Survey. Your details will be passed to a member of our Empty Property team. Based upon the information you provide, officers will be able to provide you with tailored advice and support.
Enforcement Action
Shared Regulatory Services want to engage with empty property owners to help complete any essential works needed to bring a property back into use. However, for properties that remain detrimental or a nuisance to the local area, the Council will have no choice but to consider using it legislative powersBelow are actions SRS can take to relieve the harmful impact on the community and bring the property back into use:
- Enforced sale
- Empty dwelling management orders
- Voluntary acquisition
- Compulsory purchase orders
Financial assistance is available to help bring an empty property back into use.
Empty Property owners fail to take advantage of the potential income that could be generated through letting or selling their property. Several initiatives are available to help owners bring their property back into use. Owners are encouraged to consult the links below for information, help and support.
Please click the local authority below to find out what assistance is available for your empty property.
VAT discounts
We are committed to working with empty property owners to make the necessary improvements for a property to become reoccupied.
VAT discounts available
If you are planning to renovate an empty property, you may be eligible for a reduced VAT rate on renovation costs. Discounts can apply to labour and materials expenses, significantly reducing the overall costs of bringing a property back into use. The property should have been empty for at least two years before renovation work begins to qualify. Listed below are VAT discounts that can be obtained.
- VAT Notice 708 (Building and Construction – HM Revenue & Customs) Properties unoccupied for two years can qualify for a reduced VAT on building works. The discounted VAT rate is currently 5%, compared to the standard 20%.
- VAT Notice 708/6 (Energy Saving Materials – HM Revenue & Customs) Reduced VAT rates apply to energy efficiency or energy-saving measures being installed. These discounts may apply to works to bring an empty property back into use.
Additional VAT discounts are available for residential properties that have been empty longer than ten years, the conversion of a non‐residential building into a dwelling, and a change in the number of dwelling units. To learn more about VAT notices and eligibility criteria, click the 'VAT Notices Available' link below. If you have questions regarding the duration a property has been vacant, contact us here.
How can Shared Regulatory Services assist?
Upon request, SRS can write an official letter to the property owner confirming when a property became vacant. To request a letter, contact us here.
Please Note: Only HMRC can decide the work eligible or confirm the reduced VAT rate that applies to your property. Further InformationWe encourage you to use the links below for further guidance on VAT Exemption Notice 708 and any queries you should have can be directed to HMRC using the contact details provided.
VAT: HMRC Contact Details
VAT: Notice 708
Selling a property by Auction
Auctions are a quick and secure way of selling your home that can accommodate properties of all conditions. They are typically held on a monthly or quarterly basis and can be found in various locations across South Wales.
Advantages of selling a property by Auction
Selling properties at auction has become increasingly popular, especially for people with more than one property. There are many advantages to this type of sale.
- Auctions typically have a more targeted audience made up of developers, cash buyers, investors, and portfolio property owners. Auctions can attract a diverse mix of potential buyers advantageous if the property you are selling is unusual or requires attention.
- The purchaser is legally required to complete the sale of a property. No lengthy negotiation process is involved, allowing contracts to exchange on the day of the auction that commits the purchaser legally.
- Speed of sale. The process is fast-paced and transparent, making it an attractive option for buyers and sellers. On average, it takes 20 working days to complete the sale once agreed upon.
- The price of your property could be increased due to the bidding process. If your property attracts high interest at auction and multiple people bid, the sale price could surpass guide prices.
- Setting realistic guide prices can achieve better sale prices. Auctioneers determine the guide price, but the seller can set a minimum asking price.
- Chain-Free Selling. Increases sale security. A sale agreed upon will happen.
How do I decide which auctioneer to use?
Auctioneers typically charge around 2% - 3% plus VAT of the sales price achieved (which may be subject to a minimum fee). Some auctioneers request an upfront catalogue entry fee of around £200 - £300 plus VAT. The seller is also responsible for paying for the preparation of a legal pack before the auction (this may cost around £300 plus VAT). To find upcoming auction dates in your area, please click here.