Why is the Council interested in empty
properties?
Empty properties are a wasted resource and we have a
responsibility to help bring them back into use. If a voluntary
solution cannot be reached, legal action may be taken.
How do I report an empty
property?
Complete the online reporting form or contact our Housing
Development Officer on 01934 426 387. You do not need to give your
name if you don’t want to.
What is information on empty properties
used for?
To target the owners of empty properties to encourage and
support them to bring their empty property back into use. Data
protection Law applies, so no information will be passed on to any
third party without consent, unless fraudulent activities are
suspected.
I have an empty property. What options are
available to me?
Contact our
Housing
Development Officer to discuss your options with them. Sell the
property on the open market or by auction. Let the property
yourself, or via a commercial letting agent. Change of use.
Sell/lease the property to a housing association. Possible
financial assistance (if available, and qualifying criteria
met.
What can the Council do to me if I leave
my property empty?
Our Housing
Development Officer can provide advice and support to help
owners find a use for their empty property. The Council can pursue
legal sanctions to bring empty properties back into use, but only
as a last resort when a voluntary solution has not been
possible
I’ve seen an empty property that I would
like to buy, what do I do?
We are unable to disclose information about owners of empty
properties. However our
Housing
Development Officer can pass on details to the owner if we have
managed to trace them. The owner can then contact you if they are
interested in selling. Any agreement subsequently reached to
purchase the property would be a strictly private arrangement in
which North Somerset Council would play no part.
How can I find out more?
Contact our
Housing
Development Officer or take a look at our
Empty Property Strategy
2008-2011
