Empty Properties

We want to see as many empty properties as possible within Powys returned to use. Houses that stand empty can cause nuisance and damage to neighbouring houses. They are also a waste because they could be used as homes.

We can advise owners of empty properties to help them bring the house back into use.

If the owner refuses to bring the house into use or fails to repair it, the Council can:

Serve a notice on the owner to carry out repairs and carry out the works itself if the owner fails to do so.
In exceptional circumstances, force the sale of the house to repay certain debts owed to the council.

Apply for an empty homes grant

Do you own a property that is currently empty?

Do you need help making it safe and secure before you move in?

Are you thinking about buying an empty property to live in, but you will need help to bring it back into use?

We have developed various financial packages as an incentive to bring empty units back up to standard: Home Improvement Loans and Grants

National Empty Homes Grants

Why report an empty property?

Empty homes can cause problems to neighbours, fall into disrepair and in some circumstances attract anti-social behaviour. Reporting an empty property gives you the power to help us identify these homes and allow an investigation to be carried out. Although it is unlikely that you will immediately see much happen with the property a lot of work will be going on in the background to try and find out exactly why it has been left empty. Unfortunately, some cases can be very complex, and it is important that you are aware that they can often take a long time (sometimes years) to resolve, however by reporting it you have set the wheels in motion.

Report an Empty Property Report an Empty Property

How long does the property need to have been empty?

Usually we won't start investigating the reason a property is empty until it has been unoccupied for at least six months. Most properties will become reoccupied during this period without the need of any intervention from the Council.

Can the Council take action for every empty property?

Some properties are empty for a very genuine reason; examples are that maybe the owner is in hospital or caring for an ill or elderly relative elsewhere. In circumstances such as these it is unlikely the Council will be able to take action. However the property should be secure against intruders.

We have developed a range of options we can use to either help or require owners to return properties to use, depending on the circumstances of each case. In the beginning we always try and encourage owners to return properties to use and work with them through our various schemes. Unfortunately there will always be cases where the owner doesn't want to do anything. In these circumstances the Council may consider enforcement action where appropriate.