A Cornwall Council scheme has loaned more than £2 million to property owners to bring more than 100 formerly empty homes back into use over the past 4 years.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for homes Andrew Mitchell said: “One of our Cabinet priorities is to help tackle the housing shortage by bringing empty properties back into use.    

“This National Empty Homes Week, we want those people who may own an empty property to know about the help that is on offer from the Council so that we can assist them and ultimately provide a home.”

Cornwall Council’s empty homes team works with owners of long-term empty properties to offer a range of advice and assistance, including a loan scheme.

But even with all the help that is on offer to owners of empty properties, there are still some cases where the Council has to be prepared to tackle the issue of long-term empty properties with legal action. 

An empty property in Looe which had been abandoned for many years and become an eyesore in the local community has now been sold at auction after action by Cornwall Council.

Officers from the Council’s Empty Homes, Council Tax, Property and Legal teams had made many efforts to trace the whereabouts of the owner but without success so have now been granted an order by the court to recover substantial unpaid council tax and in the same process change the ownership of the property.

Councillor Mitchell said: “This is a good result for both the people of Looe and Cornwall. 

“I encourage empty property owners to contact us so that we can assist wherever possible. 

“There can be many obstacles to overcome in bringing empty properties back into use, particularly when they are in serious disrepair, but we can often provide a tailored package of assistance and advice.”

To enquire about the loan or other assistance please contact the Empty Homes Team:

Tel: 01726 223600