• What are Empty Homes Grants?
• Who can apply?
• How much grant will I receive?
• Who decides what work I can have done?
• What type of Work can I get help with?
• Are there any conditions relating to my application?
• What information will the council require before approving my application?
• Can I get help with submitting my application?
• Who can do the work?
• When can the work start?
• What do I do now?
  

What are Empty Homes Grants?

These grants are discretionary and availability is subject to budget restrictions. Empty Homes Grants provide financial assistance towards the cost of renovating long term empty properties and providing additional new dwellings by conversion of existing buildings or dwellings.

Who can apply?

Landlords and prospective landlords can apply for empty homes grants. How much grant will I receive? The grant will usually be 50% of the cost of the eligible works up to a maximum of £15,000 for each dwelling or unit. Where the local authority is given nomination rights for the tenancy, or the tenancy is managed by a charity or Registered Social Landlord or the dwelling is let at or below the local reference rent the grant level can be 75% of the cost of the eligible works up to a maximum of £22,500. This will usually only apply in areas where there is a high demand for the type of accommodation being provided.

Who decides what work I can have done?

The local authority will inspect the property to determine what (if any) works are eligible for grant aid. You should note that the local authority has a statutory obligation to consider various options, and a grant will only be approved once renovation of the property has been deemed to be the most appropriate course of action.

In respect of an application for an empty homes grant, the local authority may invite you to employ the services of an architect or consultant to submit a scheme for their consideration.

What type of work can I get help with?

The type of works eligible for grant aid will be those needed to make the property habitable. These may include:

• damp proofing
• provision of an adequate water supply
• provision of sanitary facilities and drainage
• repairs/replacement of windows and doors
• repairs to structure
• reroofing
• provision of heating
• provision of adequate kitchen facilities.

Are there any conditions relating to my application?

Applicants enter into a deed which becomes a local land charge undertaking that the property will be let for a period of 5 years to a person who is not a member of their family.

What information will the council require before approving my application?

You will need to submit:

• the completed application form
• at least two itemised quotations
• a deed confirming intention to let the property for 5 years
• a Certificate of Title
• plans and schedules (where necessary).
  

Should the works require Planning Permission, Building Regulation Approval or Listed Building Consent, the grant cannot be approved until these applications have themselves received approval.

Who can do the work?

You may choose the contractors who quote for the work (where you employ the services of the agency they can do this on your behalf). Whilst the grant is based on the lowest quote, you may employ another contractor - although it must usually be one that has quoted for the work.

When can the work start?

You should not start work until your grant has been approved. Grant aid will not be made available for any works that have commenced irrespective of whether the work is eligible for grant.

What do I do now?

For more information and advice on renovation grants or to register an interest for a grant online visit the Customer Service Direct website.

Or, please contact the Private Sector Housing department using the details below.

Contact Details

Department: Private Sector Housing
Address: Mid Suffolk District Council, Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8DL
Telephone: 0845 606 6174