Owners of residential properties in Bath and North East Somerset that have been empty for more than six months are being encouraged to return them to occupation.

As part of National Empty Homes Week, which takes place from March 3 to March 9 this year, the council is raising awareness of the many benefits of bringing empty homes back into use.

These benefits extend beyond simply increasing the availability of housing; they also contribute to the local economy, reduce the strain on new developments, and support environmental sustainability by making use of existing buildings instead of constructing new ones.

By encouraging property owners to reclaim and repurpose vacant homes, the council aims to boost the local housing supply in a way that aligns with low-carbon initiatives, helping to reduce the environmental impact of housing shortages while providing much-needed homes for residents.

It is planning a pilot project to encourage, support and help the retrofit and installation of energy efficiency measures as part of its empty property reclamation work. The aim is to increase the number of homes to meet the council’s Housing Plan for 2025-2030, to improve access to affordable and high-quality housing and to bring empty properties back into use.

Over the past year 82 empty properties have been bought back into use thanks to the council’s Empty Properties Service, which offers advice and financial support to homeowners through loans, grants and VAT reduction. Figures from last October showed that there were 843 properties that had been empty for more than six months - 494 of those for more than a year.

Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for built environment and sustainable development, said: “The council’s Empty Property Service offers a range of financial assistance and advice to owners of empty properties and National Empty Homes Week is a good opportunity to raise awareness of how we can help.

“With more than 1,000 empty homes in our area, bringing these properties back into use is a cost-effective way to address housing shortages without incurring the high financial costs of new developments.”

“The pilot will build on the existing financial assistance offered to owners and encourage the retrofitting of empty properties, which will help support the council’s Climate Emergency aims.”

While there is no specific legislation preventing a property being left empty indefinitely if it is maintained to an acceptable standard and the Council Tax is paid, the ERPP allows council officers to take enforcement action if a property is having a negative impact on the neighbouring houses.

For more information about the council’s Empty Property Service, including advice on bringing an empty home back into use, available financial support, and the benefits of property reclamation, visit the council website.

If you are aware of an empty property that is negatively impacting the community, you can report it by contacting the Empty Property Officer at 01225 396 411 or emailing [email protected].

The council encourages homeowners, neighbours, and local residents to get in touch to learn more about how empty properties can be transformed into valuable housing.