Empty Property Grants

The Council has a Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy that offers assistance to landlords and first time buyers who wish to bring a property that has been empty for longer than one year, back into use.

These grants are discretionary and subject to available funds. All grants are subject to the Council's application process, terms and conditions, and the levels of grant aid available.

First-Time Buyer Renovation Grant

A grant of up to £20,000 towards the cost of essential works such as installing a central heating system, electrical rewire and remedying issues that are likely to cause injury or ill health.

Your eligibility for a grant will be dependent upon your savings and current mortgage borrowing. In order to be eligible, first time buyers must meet all three of the following criteria:

Be an owner-occupier
Have savings of less than £7,000
Have a mortgage over 80%

Applications will be considered to renovate properties that have been empty for over one year. On completion the property must meet the decent homes standard.

Got a question? Read our First-Time Buyer Renovation Grant FAQs.

Landlord Renovation Grant

A grant of up to £10,000 towards the cost of essential works such as installing a central heating system, electrical rewire and remedying issues that are likely to cause injury or ill health.

You may apply for a Landlord Renovation Grant if you are the owner of a property that has been empty more than one year and you are a landlord or an owner becoming a landlord.

Got a question? Read our Landlord Renovation Grant FAQs.