Council tax on empty homes to double to help tackle housing shortage
2 years ago | 9 comments
Council encourages landlords with its ‘Repair and Rent’ scheme
12:03 AM, 13th March 2024, 2 years ago
8
A council has relaunched its ‘Repair and Rent’ scheme with big improvements to incentivise landlords to bring empty properties back into the rental market.
The plan will see the council handle the entire process and boost housing supply for those on its housing waiting list.
Plymouth Council says it wants to address the city’s housing shortage by making it easier for property owners to renovate vacant homes.
Landlords can access interest-free loans of up to £50,000, up from the previous £20,000 limit, with access to a 20% grant to help pay for the renovation costs.
‘Improved the Repair and Rent offer to landlords’
The council’s cabinet member for housing, cooperative development and communities, Councillor Chris Penberthy, said: “I’m really pleased to have revamped and improved the Repair and Rent offer to landlords.
“Quite simply we need more houses, and we need more houses fast.
“As part of our empty homes strategy, we are trying to explore any and all options we can for encouraging empty homes back into use.”
He added: “Our housing team are already proactive and engages with the city’s most troublesome empty homes all year round, but I’d encourage any landlord or empty homeowner to get in touch for advice and guidance on how to bring your properties back into good use.”
Properties had to be empty for a year
Previously, properties had to be empty for a year to qualify but that has been reduced to just six months.
The Council also offers other programmes such as Empty Homes Financial Assistance and a sales service to help landlords.
As part of the scheme, Plymouth Homes 4 Let (PH4L) will manage the renovation, and arrange the tenancy,
The rent will be used to repay the loan to the council.
In return, the landlord will have to sign a sole agency agreement with PH4L to rent at Local Housing Allowance rates.
There’s more information at plymouth.gov.uk/emptyhomes.
Tags:
council, Empty Homes Strategy Plymouth, Housing, Housing Supply Boost Plymouth, Incentives, Incentives for Landlords, Interest Free Loans for Property Renovation, Landlords, Plymouth, Plymouth Repair and Rent Scheme, Renovation, Renovation Grants for Landlords, Repair and Rent
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Member Since November 2023 - Comments: 8
11:28 AM, 13th March 2024, About 2 years ago
I wouldn’t trust any Council with my property.
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
12:31 PM, 13th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Appreciate the trust issue, that Councils have placed themselves in of their own making.
That aside, if the scheme works, then its a positive step.
Member Since January 2016 - Comments: 235
2:32 PM, 13th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Chris @ Possession Friend at 13/03/2024 – 12:31
“In return, the landlord will have to sign a sole agency agreement with PH4L to rent at Local Housing Allowance rates.”
Chris, anyone who agrees to this is mad!
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
4:14 PM, 13th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Grumpy Doug at 13/03/2024 – 14:32
Wales has a Leasehold scheme where the councils are offering similar. Depends where your property is and just how much above LHA rates the PRS market rent is.
Factoring in Council are managing, so no 12% letting Agents fee, Council are leasing on a Full repairing lease, no Gas certs etc to worry about.
Member Since March 2024 - Comments: 27
12:14 PM, 15th March 2024, About 2 years ago
I wouldn’t go anywhere near any such scheme run by the council.
I got involved in one some years ago and they wanted a surveyor’s report, detailing breakdown of works, detailing timetable of works, all paid by me upfront.
Then they were only willing to release staged funds after an inspection and after the works hand been done,again paid by me.At the end of the works, they put a legal charge on the deeds to recover their loan, which was promoted as a grant.
I asked the agent how many successful schemes they had, turns out in three years they managed to bring seven properties back into use
Member Since September 2023 - Comments: 335
5:04 PM, 15th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Heed this warning don’t go anywhere near it.
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
5:58 PM, 15th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Fed-up Landlord at 15/03/2024 – 12:14Councils have got a lot more desperate now since the Socialist Govt have screwed up Housing for everyone,
( including Tenants in who’s name they’ve been pandering to. )
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 31
6:59 PM, 16th March 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Grumpy Doug at 13/03/2024 – 14:32
For me, it would depend on how long I had to sign up for. An empty property generates no rent, but a grant and a loan that gives at least gets you the LHA rates is worth thinking about