The pilot project, which did not rely on grant funding, has demonstrated that a proactive approach can effectively increase housing supply without solely depending on new developments
Richmond Council is marking National Empty Homes Week with the announcement of the successful conclusion of its innovative three-year pilot project, which has successfully transformed 150 vacant properties into much-needed homes. The initiative, launched to address the borough’s housing shortage, has actively engaged with over 350 property owners, offering advice, support, and enforcement measures to bring long-term empty homes back into use.
The pilot project, which did not rely on grant funding, has demonstrated that a proactive approach can effectively increase housing supply without solely depending on new developments. Jim Millard, Deputy Leader of Richmond Council and Lead Member for Housing, expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s success, stating, “With housing in such high demand, long-term empty homes should not be wasted. Every vacant property represents a potential home for someone in need. This pilot has proven that with the right approach, we can bring these properties back into use.”
The elements of the pilot are being integrated into the Council’s wider housing work, ensuring that efforts to bring vacant properties back into use continue
Richmond Council is now using the insights gained over the past three years to develop the next phase of its commitment to tackling empty homes. Councillor Millard added, “Where properties are left vacant and become a problem, we will use every tool available to ensure they are lived in rather than abandoned. Each year, Empty Homes Week offers an opportunity to highlight the great work within communities, like Richmond, to bring empty homes back into use and tackle properties that negatively impact neighbourhoods.”
“With housing in such high demand, long-term empty homes should not be wasted. Every vacant property represents a potential home for someone in need. This pilot has proven that with the right approach, we can bring these properties back into use.”
Jim Millard, Deputy Leader of Richmond Council and Lead Member for Housing
The elements of the pilot are being integrated into the Council’s wider housing work, ensuring that efforts to bring vacant properties back into use continue. As part of this ongoing commitment, the Council is taking firm action on long-term empty properties, particularly where neglect and anti-social behaviour are concerns. To further discourage homes from being left vacant, the Council applies Council Tax premiums, with increasing charges for homes left unoccupied and unfurnished:
- Two years: 100% Council Tax uplift
- Five years: 200% Council Tax uplift
- Ten years: 300% Council Tax uplift
By ensuring homes do not remain unnecessarily empty, Richmond Council is making the best use of existing housing stock and supporting the wider need for homes in the borough.
Get Help with an Empty Property
Property owners with long-term empty homes are encouraged to take advantage of the Council’s resources. Owners may be liable for additional Council Tax charges, although some exemptions apply, such as properties undergoing probate or actively being marketed for sale or rent. The Council advises property owners to visit the Council website to check if they qualify for an exemption and to find out what steps they can take to bring a property back into use. - Richmond Council’s successful initiative serves as a model for other local authorities looking to address housing shortages by making better use of existing properties. The Council’s proactive approach not only increases housing supply but also improves community well-being by reducing the negative impact of vacant properties on neighbourhoods.
