In Bury we are committed to reducing empty properties in the Borough by responding to complaints from local residents and providing advice and support to the owners of empty properties.
Reporting an empty property
Before you contact us please gather as much information about the property as you can, particularly any ownership information.
Contact the Customer Contact Team:
Write to or visit: Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury, BL9 0SW
Phone: 0161 253 5353
E-mail: customercontactteam@bury.gov.uk
How we can help
If an empty property is causing a physical defect such as damp to a neighbouring property it may be classed as a statutory nuisance, we can serve a legal notice on the owner of the empty property to undertake the necessary repairs. Should the owner not arrange for the required works to be undertaken within the necessary time period we would undertake the works and charge the owner for all costs incurred.
We aim to reduce the number of empty properties in the Borough by responding to complaints from local residents and providing advice and support to the owners of empty properties who intend to bring their properties back into use. If the owner of an empty property fails to make sufficient effort to bring the property back into use, we may take enforcement action against them. This may include the following.
- An Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) - we may put tenants into the property and take over the management.
- Compulsory Purchase - we may legally buy the property even if the owner does not wish to sell the property.
- Enforced sale - we force the sale of the property and claim money that is owed to us, such as outstanding Council Tax payments or payment for works carried out to resolve defects to the property.
The Empty Property Strategy
We are currently developing our Empty Property Strategy. The strategy will allow for a more structured approach for re-occupying empty properties. We are introducing a number of processes to help property owners who want to bring their property back into use and undertaking work to aid with the re-occupation of properties where owners are not cooperating to bring their property back into use.
Currently all of the empty properties within the Borough are being visited to assess their condition. The properties in the poorest condition will be given higher priority to be brought back into use. A mapping system is also being developed to help focus on areas where there is the greatest concentration of empty properties and therefore require more attention in order to improve the area.
Frequently asked questions
When is a property classed as an empty?
A property is classed as being officially empty if it has been unoccupied for 6 months or over. If a property is empty for less than six months it may be due to a delayed sale or the property is in-between lettings.
Can I do anything to bring an empty property back into use?
If you are aware of a property that has been empty for a long time please contact us. We are usually aware of empty properties from Council Tax records and have often been in contact with the owner regarding their intentions regarding the property.
Should you wish to contact the owner of the property because you have an interest in purchasing the property, it is possible to contact the Land Registry in order to try and find who owns the property. We may pass on your interest to the owner if we suspect the owner may be interested in selling the property.
Who is responsible for securing an empty property?
The owner of the property is responsible for securing their property. If the owner fails to ensure the property is secure then we can secure the property against unauthorised access and charge the owner for the work carried out.
Can empty property owners receive assistance for renovation work?
If a property has been empty for 3 or more years then a builder can charge a reduced 5% rate of VAT on work to renovate the property.
A developer or house owner can claim back all the VAT charged on the renovation of a building that has been empty for 10 years. The developer will have to register for VAT and sell the house to claim the VAT (this relief is not applicable where a property is let). The house owner can claim for the VAT under the DIY Builders Refund Scheme available from Customs and Excise if they are retaining the property for private residential use and do not intend selling the property.
We are looking at developing either a grant or loan scheme in order to assist empty property owners renovate their properties. However, we are currently unable to provide such funding.
Can action be taken to improve the appearance of an empty property?
If an empty property is classed as detrimental to the amenity of the area under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 action can be taken by the Council to improve the appearance of the property. This action would be undertaken by the Planning Enforcement Section.
Links to more empty property information
The Empty Homes Agency - is a charity who promote sustainable solutions to bring empty property back into use.
Go to the Empty Homes Agency website
Communities and Local Government website
Go to Communities and Local Government website
Related information
Go to the Bury Landlord Accreditation Scheme web page
