Hull has a large housing need, and bringing empty homes back into use is one way we can increase the amount of housing available to residents.
We want our residents to feel proud of their homes and the neighbourhood, and this is difficult if there are neglected houses nearby. Empty homes affect our communities by -
- attracting anti-social behaviour, arson and fly tipping
- causing stress and anxiety to neighbours
- spoiling the environment for nearby residents
- damaging our city's reputation
- devaluing nearby homes
- means fewer homes are available for people who need them.
We want owners to bring their properties back into use. If this is the case and you are struggling, you can contact us at housing.standards@hullcc.gov.uk for support.
We understand the negative effect that empty properties can have on the area, and we monitor the number of empty properties in Hull.
The Empty Homes Property Plan
Our Empty Homes Plan describes how we will reduce the number of long-term empty properties in Hull. There are over 3500 Empty Homes, with nearly 2000 having been empty for over 6 months. A key aspect of the plan is to obtain more accurate information on empty homes so that we can better target our efforts and make informed decisions.
The Plan sets our targets for bringing empty homes back into use and the measures we will use to do so. We will -
- improve our data
- be writing to owners of empty properties to provide advice on the help we can offer
- involve communities and encourage the reporting of empty homes
- work with community organisations to pool resources and ideas
- match potential buyers and tenants with owners
- establish a clear and consistent approach to enforcement action
Properties that are unfurnished and have been empty for one year are classed as 'Long Term Empty' and will be charged an additional 100% long-term empty property premium. At 5 years, this increases to 200%, and at 10 years, 300%.
Reporting an empty property
If you suspect it's used for crime, call the Police on 101.
If you believe a property is empty, report it to us.
We investigate empty properties to deal with any nuisance they are causing. This may involve -
- stopping water leaks
- open trespass
- fly-tipping
After dealing with any urgent issues, we will contact the owner. We provide a range of support to help owners bring properties back into use.
Wanting to buy or invest
We are unable to distribute a list of empty homes in our area due to data protection.
The properties which we are dealing with through our interventions, including enforced sales and order of sales, will be advertised on the popular “for sale” websites, for example, Rightmove, Zoopla, Market Place or for auction.
If you want to buy an empty home in Hull, sign up for our investors register. It’s free to join, and your details will be sent to interested owners of empty properties.
To sign up, email housing.standards@hullcc.gov.uk with your -
- contact name and organisation
- full address
- phone number
- email address
- postcode area or district of preference
- confirmation that you wish to be on the investors' register
- confirmation that you consent to share your details with possible sellers