Empty Homes in Angus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an empty home?
In Angus an empty home is one that has been vacant for over 6 months. At present there are about 23,000 empty homes in Scotland and they represent a wasted resource especially when there is a shortage of housing on both a national and local level.
What are the benefits of bringing an empty home back into use?
There are many advantages of bringing empty properties back into use. For the owner, the financial benefits can be very rewarding. For example, a 2 bedroom property can generate income and savings of almost £7000 per annum, based on the owner receiving the Local Housing Allowance 2 bedroom rate and not being liable for Council Tax charges. From 1 April 2012 the Scottish Government has given local authorities the power to reduce council tax discounts on long-term empty properties, from 50% to 10%.
- Income / savings from rental and council tax charges
- Increased sales potential & capital value
- Security against vandalism, squatters and anti-social behaviour
- Produces a new home in the area
For the community there are many problems associated with empty homes. Not only is it the loss of an additional home in an area of housing need but they also spoil the landscape, and may attract crime and anti-social behaviour which can be a threat to the safety of local residents. If empty homes are left to deteriorate they can not only cause physical damage to adjacent properties but can also reduce the value of surrounding properties. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) state that empty homes can reduce the market value of adjoining properties by up to 18% and affect investment by individuals and businesses alike.
- Removal of a potential eye-sore in their street/area
- Rejuvenates local economy by increasing investment in the area
- Reduces likelihood of crime and vandalism
(NOTE: The picture content of this page is for your general information and do not represent local circumstance.)
What advice and assistance can the council give to owners of empty homes?
There may be many reasons why your property is empty. Whether you wish to rent your property, or put the property up for sale or perhaps you intend to renovate/repair your property for use, Angus Council can offer a range of advice and information (see Empty Homes fact sheet (80 KB PDF) Opens in a new window 
) to help you bring the property back into use.
Angus Council are also signed up to Scotland's Empty Homes Partnership which is run by Shelter Scotland who also offers a comprehensive range of advice for owners of empty homes.
How do I report an empty home?
If you are aware of an empty home or believe a property to be empty then you can report it to Angus Council or via, www.reportemptyhomes.com
Whilst the Council will strive to improve the quality of private housing in the area, financial constraints and owners who decline assistance will mean that some properties will remain vacant for the foreseeable future. However the Council can use various powers, such as Service Notices, to ensure that works are carried out, or in extreme cases they can use Compulsory Purchase Orders in situations where the building is deemed dangerous.
I own an empty home. What can I do with it?
Please take time to complete our Empty Home Owners Survey as this will help the Council identify what advice, options and support they can provide to help bring your property back into use.
Empty Homes Loan Fund
Angus Council is pleased to announce that they have been approved for funding of £120,000 from the Scottish Government's Empty Homes Loan Fund. The Council will use the resources to offer interest free loans of up to £17,000 to empty home owners who in turn will refurbish their property and rent it out for a period of 5 years at an affordable rate (less than Local Housing Allowance rates). The funding will be used to bring 7 empty properties back into use and the scheme is already attracting a lot of interest with local home owners with much of the funding having already been allocated.
If you are the owner of an empty home looking for advice or support to bring your empty home back into use then please contact us (details below).
Who do I contact for further information?
Strategic Housing
Neighbourhood Services
Housing Division
William Wallace House
Orchardbank
Forfar DD8 1WH
Tel: 01307 476376
Email: emptyhomes@angus.gov.uk
Service Page: emptyhomes.htm
Service Details Last Reviewed : 24 July 2012
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