Published: Monday, 16th October 2017
Cannock Chase Council is reminding owners that an empty property loan is available for properties in the Cannock Chase District, this empty homes week (16-22 October).
The Council have developed an interest free loans scheme to assist owners whose properties have been empty for 2 years or more. Owners may be able to loan up to £10,000 to renovate their property to the Decent Homes Standard.
Residential properties that stand empty within Cannock Chase could be providing homes for the many people who need one.
On average it costs an owner approximately £8000 a year to keep a property empty. This cost includes rental loss, dilapidation, security, insurance (where obtainable) and council tax.
Councillor John Preece, Environment Portfolio Leader said “The longer a home is left empty the more likely it is to attract anti-social behaviour, to fall into disrepair and to become a source of anxiety to nearby residents. The Council is keen to assist owners with returning their properties to use and an officer can support owners in their efforts to do so. For more information please telephone 01543 464309.”
The Council’s Housing Option’s Service can also provide specialist help and advice which is aimed at supporting landlords who manage their own properties, Housing Options Team can be contacted on 01543 462621 or email housingoptions@cannockchasedc.gov.uk to request an information pack full of useful knowledge, hints and tips and find out how you can make the most of your asset.
The interest free loan scheme is only for previously occupied properties that have become vacant. Notifications are received from Council Tax when the payments have ceased on a property. Unfinished new-build properties are not eligible for this scheme.