Mid Devon tackle problem of empty housing (From Mid Devon Star)

Mid Devon tackle problem of empty housing

8:35am Tuesday 24th November 2009

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AS part of National Empty Property Week, Mid Devon council is encouraging people to take action.

A council spokesperson said: “There are an estimated 785,000 empty homes in England at a time of unprecedented housing need.

“Bringing empty properties back into use helps maximise occupation of the existing stock and contributes to meeting the need for affordable housing.”

Cllr Ray Stanley, Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “Empty homes are a wasted resource and can be a source of significant anxiety and cost for owners and those living near to them.

“They may attract vandalism, anti-social behaviour, squatters and are often eyesores that can reduce the sale price of neighbouring properties.”

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors estimates that properties adjoining poorly maintained empty homes can be devalued by as much as 18 per cent.

The council spokesperson added: “Property owners don’t always realise that empty property represents a wasted opportunity to turn an eyesore into an asset with an estimated net gain of £13,000 per year.

“Mid Devon council is working in partnership with East Devon council and Exeter City Council alongside a number of partner Housing Associations under The Empty Homes Partnership umbrella.

“There are currently around 500 homes that have been empty for more than six months across Mid Devon district and the council is keen to take action to bring these properties back into use as soon as possible.

“If the public know of empty homes in their area, they can contact the council in confidence and we will do our very best to get that home back into use.

“If you own, live next door to, or simply know of an empty property in the district that has the potential to become residential accommodation contact the Private Sector Housing Team 01884 244600/2/3/9 or email ehadmin@middevon.gov.uk

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