Since 2021 the local authority have restored more than 400 empty properties as part of their plans to tackle the boroughs housing crisis.
Four years ago Caerphilly County Borough Council announced their empty property scheme – an initiative created to bring abandoned and disused homes back into the housing market.
Image: Caerphilly’s empty homes team.
The local authority have been working with landlords, homeowners and developers and to say their programme has been a success would be an understatement – since 2021 the council have restored over 400 homes.
Following the scheme’s launch, the local authority have focused on reforming properties that’ve become eyesores or magnets for anti-social behaviour. One success story includes a property in Nelson, which stood empty for over a decade and became the subject of sly-tipping, infestations and repeated complaints. However, the house has now been renovated and returned to the rental market.
Alongside the team’s efforts, the government’s rule of charging more council tax on properties that have been unoccupied or substantially unfurnished for two or more years encouraged owners to sell.
Cllr Shayne Cook, cabinet member for housing, said the news of the council’s success is extraordinary and should be continued.
‘This milestone highlights the empty property team’s success in tackling vacant homes, using a mix of financial support, expert guidance and, when needed, enforcement,’ Cllr cook remarked.
‘Empty properties are a blight on our communities and represent a wasted resource at a time when we face a national housing crisis. By bringing over 400 homes back into use, we’re not only tackling problem properties but also creating much-needed housing and breathing new life into neighbourhoods across the Caerphilly borough.’
Going forward, the local authority have explained work is ongoing to identify further empty homes that can be brought back into use.
Image: Caerphilly County Borough Council
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