Match-making plan to fill empty homes
A new match-making scheme that brings together empty homes and property investors is being piloted across Ashfield.
The aim is to create more homes and bring empty properties back into use for those looking for somewhere to live.
The Council says the idea is a simple one but hopes it will turn out to be very effective in creating more homes across the District.
It works by connecting owners of empty properties in Ashfield with investors, who want to turn them into lived-in homes.
The benefits to the owner are:
- Helps take the hassle out of selling a property
- Provides an option for properties that require extensive renovation, but the owner cannot secure a mortgage or estate agents don’t wish to market.
- Can help save on estate agent fees as there is often no need to advertise
- the home on the open market
- Reduces the likelihood of having to pay the Empty Home Premium
- Charge (providing the home is sold within 12 months of becoming empty)
- Property investors, landlords or letting agents benefit from the scheme by getting access to homes that are often not on the open market, helping find a tenant and access to ongoing tenancy support for new tenant.
The scheme can’t guarantee a deal will happen but does try to find the best match using the information in the Council’s lists of possible sellers and buyers.
Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of the Council, said:
We’re not only committed to building more homes across the District but, as this pilot project illustrates, we’re constantly looking at ways to bring empty properties back into use to create homes so many people are looking for.”
If you own an empty home and want to sell your property or if you are a potential investor, get in touch with the team by emailing Ehresidential@ashfield.gov.uk and they will provide you with further information.
