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Empty homes

Empty homes are a waste.

We don't have enough homes in the city. We aim to bring empty homes back to life, there are initiatives and advice to help do this.

How we deal with empty homes.

Report an empty home

If you're concerned about a property that has been empty for 6 months or more tell us:

We can:

  • identify the owner and ask them to put things right
  • help the owner to sell or let their property
  • provide a range of options and services to help the owner to return the property to use

If needed we can take appropriate enforcement action.

For help and advice on bringing an empty property back into use or to report an empty property contact us:

Email - empty.homes@plymouth.gov.uk

Phone - 01752 304235


Sell or let your empty home

Sales service

If your property has been empty for more than 6 months and you want to sell, we can host an open viewing on your behalf. We'll invite our list of potential buyers and developers to view the property and submit sealed bids for your consideration. This is a free service and there's no obligation to sell if the offers received aren't acceptable.

Email - empty.homes@plymouth.gov.uk 
Phone - 01752 304235

Selling at auction

If you're looking to sell your empty property at auction, we have negotiated reduced fees with local auctioneers.

Email - empty.homes@plymouth.gov.uk 
Phone - 01752 304235

Interested in purchasing an empty home

If you would like to be told when empty home owners use our service to sell their property, register your details with us. We will then add you to our ‘Developer Database’ of individuals and companies who we inform whenever we help an owner to sell an empty property.

Email - empty.homes@plymouth.gov.uk 
Phone - 01752 304235

EasyLet

EasyLet is a rental service run by PATH (in partnership with Plymouth Homes 4 Let) which matches tenants with empty homes. Landlords will receive rent in line with the Local Housing Allowance.

For more information email easylet@pathdevon.org, call 01752 293719, or visit the EasyLet website.


Renovate, repair and financial assistance for empty homes

Empty Homes Financial Assistance

Loans of up to £50,000 per unit are available for renovating properties. The empty homeowner will be responsible for the project management. The finished property must be made available for private let or through EasyLet.

A 20% grant is available if you agree to rent in line with the Local Housing Allowance through EasyLet.

Email - empty.homes@plymouth.gov.uk 
Phone - 01752 304235

Repair and Rent

This scheme is for empty property owners who aren't able to manage a renovation themselves. A loan of up to £20,000 per unit is available with 20% as a grant element. The loan will be repaid from rental income generated by the property. The project management, renovation and subsequent rental of the property will be managed by our partners Plymouth Homes 4 Let.

Email - empty.homes@plymouth.gov.uk 
Phone - 01752 304235

Buy with Confidence

If you have the funds to renovate your property, we can help you find a local approved trader through our Buy with Confidence scheme. Every business listed has undergone a series of checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.

Visit the Buy with Confidence website to search for an approved trader.

Reduced VAT

If your property has been empty for 2 years and you're using builders to complete the works, you may be eligible for a reduced rate of 5% VAT on repairs, maintenance or improvements.

If your property has been empty for more than 10 years and you'll be using it for residential purposes after the work is completed, you may be eligible for zero rated VAT.

You need to be aware of these discounts before you start work and make sure your builders understand the rules so they invoice you correctly. VAT information is available on GOV.UK.

We can also support your application by providing a free statement confirming your property has been empty for at least 2 or 10 years.

Empty space above shops and offices

Empty space above a commercial unit can potentially be converted into residential accommodation. You don't always need planning permission and may be eligible for a reduced rate of VAT on building materials and services.

For help and advice on bringing an empty property back into use:

Email - empty.homes@plymouth.gov.uk 
Phone - 01752 304235