Empty Homes

Management of empty properties in Bridgend, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan

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.

 

Unsure what to do with an Empty Property?

If you have an Empty Property and are unsure of the options avaliable to you. Please complete the below 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.

 

Cardiff

 

Bridgend

 

 

Vale of Glamorgan

Please see below a list of schemes accessible for Empty Property Owners in Vale of Glamorgan. 

 

 

 

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.

Cardiff Council Houses into Homes Loan

Do you own a property that has been empty for six months or longer in the Cardiff area? You could qualify for a share of funds available through the Welsh Government’s Houses into Homes scheme.

Interest-free loans are available to cover the cost of repairs and improvements to bring a property back into use, either for onward sale or the rental market. Loan funding can help renovate or convert residential and commercial properties subject to relevant planning permission approval. 

To apply for a loan, you must be the owner of or looking to buy a property that has been empty for six months minimum. 

A sum of £25,000 maximum per property/unit, up to £150,000 per applicant, is available. The award sum is capped at 80% loan to value, based on any existing mortgage plus the Houses into Homes loan applied for, against the current property value. 

Any loan approved must be financially secured against the property by either a first or second charge. If the property has a pre-existing mortgage, the Council will require permission from the lender to secure the charge. Once refurbishment works have been completed, the property should meet the Houses into Homes Standard. The loan must be repaid in full within 2 years if the property is to be sold or 3 years if the property is to be rented. 

Please note: There will be a loan application fee and you will be required to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan through your application. 

Download Cardiff Council's Houses into Homes leaflet 

How to apply

To express your interest in the scheme, please contact: housesintohomes@cardiff.gov.ukor alternatively, telephone: 07971 610679 

Welsh Government PRS Leasing Scheme 

Cardiff Councils LETS team can help you rent an empty property through the Welsh Government Private Sector Leasing Scheme.

What is the WG Leasing Scheme Wales (LSW)?

The leasing scheme allows empty property owners to lease their houses to Cardiff Council with guaranteed monthly rental income and property management (inc. repairs and maintenance) for a minimum of 5-year to 20-year leases.

The scheme aims to work alongside property owners to supply low-cost, high-quality housing in Cardiff. By renting your property through the scheme, you will help make private renting a more affordable option, allowing more people to access the PRS housing market.The scheme benefits both property owners and tenants throughout the occupation period. As a result, successful tenancy arrangements are formed and last for many years.

For more information on the scheme, please click here. 

Alternatively, download a landlord information pack below. The booklet outlines the scheme, landlords’ benefits, requirements of the property owner and financial assistance available. 

How to apply

If you own a property, you can express your interest in the scheme by completing an Expression of Interest form and returning it to: Lets@cardiff.gov.uk County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff, CF10 4UW

For more information on Cardiff Councils LETS website, please click here. 

Helpful Links

Leasing Scheme Wales: Checklist 

Leasing Scheme Wales: Leaflet 

Comparison Sheet of WG Leasing Scheme and Cardiff Council PRS Leasing Scheme

Bridgend Council Empty Property Grants

There are two types of Empty Homes Grant available in Bridgend.

• Empty Property Homes Grant
• Homes in Town Grant  

Both grant schemes aim to bring vacant properties back into use and increase the supply of much-needed affordable rented homes across the county borough. 

Empty Property Homes Grant

To apply, you must own an empty property over 10 years old and unoccupied for 6 months minimum. You must also agree to the grant conditions. These include renting the property for 3 years in line with the Council’s lettings policy and becoming registered with Rent Smart Wales upon completion of the works.

The maximum grant available depends on the work being carried out:

• Up to £10,000 or 75% of the eligible cost per unit for a like-for-like conversion (such as a two-bed house being brought back into use as a two-bed house).
• Up to £15,000 or 75% of the eligible cost per unit for a conversion into more units (such as a two-bed house being brought back into use as two one bed flats)
• Up to £9,000 or 75% of the eligible cost per unit for a conversion into units that have shared facilities (such as bedsit-type units that share kitchen/bathroom facilities or both)

The Council will assess what works are needed to bring a property back into use in consultation with Shared Regulatory Services. Works must not have started before the application is approved and must be completed within six months of the grant approval date. More information can be found in Bridgend County Borough Council's, ‘Property Owners Guide to Empty Homes’. 

How to apply?

To express your interest in the scheme, please complete an Expression of Interest form and return it to: 

emptypropertiesassistance@bridgend.gov.uk

Housing Strategy, Bridgend County Borough Council, Civic Offices, Angel Street, CF31 4WB 

More information on Bridgend County Borough Council's website can be found here. 

Homes in Town Grant

This grant helps tackle vacant space in Town Centre and contribute towards the regeneration of Bridgend. 

To be eligible for the grant, you must own a property suitable for residential conversion. This property must have been empty for 6 months minimum and older than 10 years old. You must also agree to the grant conditions. These include renting the property for 3-5 years in line with the Council’s lettings policy and becoming registered with Rent Smart Wales upon completion of works.

The maximum grant available depends on the work being carried out:

• 85% of the cost, up to a maximum of £10,000, to create a separate access (if one is not already present) to the residential premises
• 85% of any works identified/ recommended as the result of an acoustic survey
• 60% of the cost, up to a maximum of £30,000 per unit of accommodation, for the conversion of vacant space into a residential unit

The Council will determine the works needed to bring a property back into use. Works must not have started before the application is approved. Once approved, work must begin within 6 months and be completed within 12 months of the grant approval date. This grant can be combined with other grants that are available.More information can be found in Bridgend Councils, ‘Property Owners Guide to Empty Homes’. 

How to apply

To express your interest in the scheme complete an Expression of Interest form and return it to: emptypropertiesassistance@bridgend.gov.uk

Housing Strategy, Bridgend County Borough Council, Civic Offices, Angel Street, CF31 4WB For more information on Bridgend Councils website, please click here. 

Bridgend Council Empty Property Loans 

Do you own a property that has been empty for six months or longer in the Bridgend area? You could qualify for a share of funds available through the Welsh Government’s Houses into Homes scheme.

Interest-free loans are available to cover the cost of repairs and improvements to bring a property back into use, either for onward sale or the rental market. Loan funding can help renovate or convert residential and commercial properties subject to relevant planning permission approval. 

To apply for a loan, you must be the owner of or looking to buy a property that has been empty for six months minimum. 

A sum of £25,000 maximum per property/unit, up to £150,000 per applicant, is available. The award sum is capped at 80% loan to value, based on any existing mortgage plus the Houses into Homes loan applied for, against the current property value.

Any loan approved must be financially secured against the property by either a first or second charge. If the property has a pre-existing mortgage, the Council will require permission from the lender to secure the charge. The Council can consider another property as loan security. 

Funding is paid in two instalments: 50% up-front to provide working capital and 50% when reasonable progress is considered made.  This will be agreed and outlined in the Loan Facility Agreement. Once completed, the property should meet the Houses into Homes Standard. 

The loan must be repaid in full within 2 years if the property is to be sold or 5 years if to be rented.

Please note: There will be a loan application fee and you will be required to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan through your application. 

More information about the loan can be found in Bridgend Councils, ‘Property Owners Guide to Empty Homes’.

How to apply

To express your interest in the scheme complete an Expression of Interest form and return it to: 

• emptypropertiesassistance@bridgend.gov.uk 
• Housing Strategy, Bridgend County Borough Council, Civic Offices, Angel Street, CF31 4WB 

For more information on Bridgend Councils website, please click here.