Empty properties can cause a number problems, they are often an eyesore that can blight an area, can attract antisocial behaviour such as vandalism and squatters, cause concern to neighbours and the local community and may affect the value of surrounding properties. It is important therefore that these properties are brought back into use.
Hounslow’s current housing strategy recognises this and has an aim of bringing empty properties back into use. In addition to this the Mayor of London’s draft housing strategy sets out a target to reduce the total number of empty homes in London to below 2.5% of the total stock and to reduce the number of homes empty for more than 6 months to below 1%.
The majority of empty homes are empty awaiting sale or undergoing refurbishment, however a number of properties are problematic and our private sector housing team will take action to bring these properties back into use. We concentrate our efforts on properties that have been empty for more than six months and may require direct intervention to bring back into use.
What should I do if I see an empty property?
Tell us about it. The property may already be known to us but if its not we can start our investigations to find out who the owner is and what they are doing with the property. If the property is causing a nuisance there may be more immediate action we may be able to take.
What will you do?
We will find out who owns the property and why the property is empty. If there is not a good reason for it being empty or it’s not going to be used, we will explore the options available to us to compel the owner to bring the property back into use such as grant assistance, compulsory purchase, empty dwelling management orders and establishing a leasing arrangement with a registered social landlord.
I have a property that has been empty for more than six months, what should I do and how can you help?
We can offer you advice, information and support and in some circumstances offer grants to bring the property back into use.
If you would like to report an empty property, please complete the online form, see right of this page for website link under external links.
How do I find out who owns the property?
The Council are unable to provide you with details of who owns the property but if you are interested in making an offer on the property we may be able to pass on your details to the owner. Alternatively you may wish to contact the Land Registry Service (see right of this page for website link) to obtain ownership details.
Can I have a list of all empty properties in Hounslow?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide a list of properties owned by individuals.
