Published: Monday, 15th February 2021
Homeowners and landlords are being reminded of the benefits of bringing their empty properties back into use as part of National Empty Homes Week.
In an attempt to help empty homeowners potentially save thousands of pounds, and improve communities affected by empty properties, Sevenoaks District Council is backing the national campaign, which will run from Monday 15 February.
Empty homes can attract vandalism, fly-tipping and other acts of criminal activity. These problems can often be detrimental to adjoining nearby properties. Neglected properties can cause decreased property values and can discourage investment to the local area.
The Council is working as part of the ‘No Use Empty’ (NUE) scheme run by Kent County Council. Since the launch of the scheme, over 6,000 properties in Kent have been brought back into use and over £32 million has been given in financial support across Kent.
Subject to certain qualifying criteria, homeowners are able to apply for loan assistance of up to £25,000 per property to carry out renovation and reconstruction work in order to bring an empty property back into use.
Cabinet Member for Housing and Health, Cllr Kevin Maskell says:
“It’s difficult to understand why some properties are left empty for long periods of time, often getting into a state of disrepair when they could be providing an income to their owner and much needed accommodation to people living in the District.
“We are encouraging anyone with an empty property to get in touch and see how we can help.”
If you have an empty property and would like to know more about your options, email empty.homes@sevenoaks.gov.uk or call 01732 227000.
Find out more about the scheme www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/emptyhomes
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