Council highlights work to bring empty homes back into use following National Empty Homes Week

Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance, said: “We know that every home matters, especially when many people are finding it harder to access suitable housing. By working closely with owners and offering practical support, we can help turn empty properties back into lived-in homes. This not only provides more housing for local people but also helps keep our towns and villages vibrant and well cared for.”

Recent figures show there are currently 725 empty homes across West Oxfordshire. The Council is working with owners to understand why properties may be empty and to help bring them back into use wherever possible.

The Council’s Empty Homes Officer works directly with property owners to offer guidance and practical support. This includes advice on selling, renting or refurbishing properties, as well as information on council tax charges and other options available to help owners move forward.

West Oxfordshire District Council has also partnered with Lendology CIC, a not-for-profit lender, to offer affordable home improvement loans. These loans can help owners carry out essential repairs or refurbishment work, making it easier to bring empty properties back into use when upfront costs might otherwise be a barrier.

A recent case shows how empty homes can be brought back into use with the right support. A group of properties had stood empty since the pandemic and were starting to fall into disrepair. After contact from the council, the owner decided to sell and the homes were quickly bought by a new owner who is now refurbishing them. With support from the council’s Empty Homes Officer, work is underway and the properties are on track to become lived-in homes once again.

Many empty homes arise from complex situations such as inheritance, financial challenges or major repairs. By engaging early with owners, the Council can provide clear advice and support to help resolve issues and avoid properties remaining empty for long periods.

Bringing empty homes back into use helps support the Council’s wider aim of ensuring local communities have access to the homes they need and can continue to thrive.

The Council is encouraging anyone who owns an empty property, or knows of one in their area, to get in touch for advice and support.

More information is available on the Council’s website.