Housing

Our Empty Homes Success

In this section

Real Cases: How Engagement Leads to Results

Our award winning approach continues to make a positive difference for empty homeowners and local communities.

Within this page are just some examples of our engagement with empty home-owners.

White front door, covered by overgrown bushes

Case A – Probate Property Unlocked

Empty for 12 years | Estate administration underway | Sale planned

The situation
This property had been empty for over 12 years following the death of the owner. No formal estate administration had taken place, meaning there was no legal authority to manage or sell the home. As a result, it remained vacant for many years.

Council support
The Empty Homes Officer worked to remove this long‑standing barrier by instructing specialist genealogists to trace potential heirs. This enabled family members to be identified and allowed the legal process of administering the estate to begin.

Outcome
Once Letters of Administration are granted, the property will be prepared for sale and returned to occupation.

Neglected staircase inside a residential home

Case B – Severe Vandalism Resolved Through Sale

Five bedroom property | Empty for 15 years | Sold at auction

The situation
This five‑bedroom home had been empty for approximately 15 years and had suffered extensive vandalism making progress difficult.

Council support
The Empty Homes Officer worked closely with the owner, building rapport and providing practical assistance, including instructing locksmiths on the owner’s behalf to help secure the property and move matters forward.

Outcome
The property was successfully sold at auction in 2025, ending a long‑term vacancy and creating a route back into use.

Case C – Sale Supported by VAT Advice

Empty for over 2 years | On the market | Sale progressing

The situation
This property had been empty for over two years and had experienced repeated failed sales. The buyer was concerned about the cost of installing a full heating system.

Council support
The Empty Homes Officer advised the owner about the 5% VAT reduced rate on renovation works, explaining that the discount is attached to the property rather than the owner. This information was shared with the buyer’s solicitor.

Outcome
The VAT reduction has helped reassure the buyer about renovation costs and encouraged the sale to progress.

Case D – Long Term Empty Flats with High Renovation Costs

Flats | Empty for over 10 years | Sold to new owners

The situation
Flats owned had been empty for over 12 years. Renovations unaffordable and cost around £250,000.

Council support
The Empty Homes Officer explained eligibility for 5% reduced VAT and potential 0% VAT on qualifying works and provided guidance from the relevant VAT notice. This enabled costs to be reassessed and promoted as a sales incentive.

Outcome
Both properties were successfully sold, creating a clear route for renovation by new owners.

Case E – Owner Supported to Make an Informed Decision

Flat empty over 2 years | Council Tax premium | Voluntary sale agreed

The situation
An elderly owner paid a Council Tax premium on a flat that had been empty for over two years. He was reluctant to sell as he stayed there occasionally, but the cost pressures were increasing.

Council support
Following an open and honest conversation, the Empty Homes Officer explained the financial implications and the temporary Council Tax premium relief available while a property is marketed for sale. Also connected the owner to council tax department for further Council Tax advice.

Outcome
With a clearer understanding, the owner decided that selling the property would best support his long‑term financial wellbeing.

Case F – Fire Damaged Empty Property

Situation

A residential property was severely damaged by fire in August 2023 and remained unoccupied following the incident. The prolonged vacancy raised concerns regarding security, safety, and potential impacts on the surrounding area.

Council Support

Wychavon District Council intervened by serving a Notice under Section 29 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 to ensure the property was properly secured and subsequently boarded up the property. The Council also successfully traced the owner and engaged with them to discuss the necessary steps to address the condition of the property and bring it back into use.

Outcome

Following Council intervention, extensive repair works were undertaken. These works have now been completed, and the property has been restored to a habitable condition and is ready for occupation once again.

Empty Homes Network (EHN) Annual Awards

2025-2026

Winners of Rising Star Award for the current Empty Homes Officer

For extraordinary strategic and operational impact within a remarkably short time, delivering innovation, leadership and transformational improvements to empty homes practice across the authority and beyond.

Highly Commended Award in Meeting the Challenge.

For cases that are more challenging than others and require the right combination of perseverance, imagination and appropriate tools to be brought into play.

Highly Commended Award for Innovation.

For creative and original approaches, systems and interventions that have demonstrated their value in helping bring empty homes back into use.

Highly Commended Award for Best Partnership working.

For a particularly challenging case that has been solved by bringing together external partners and internal departments showing collaboration worked and achieved success.

Highly Commended Award for Best Use of Media.

For the proactive use of media to positively promote empty homes work and services available via the Empty Homes Hub.

2024-2025

Winners of Rising Star Award for the Empty Homes Officer

“Transformed the empty homes service from the ground up”

Winners of Best Use of Media Award.

For delivering a bold, multi-channel campaign that not only raised awareness, but rebuilt confidence in the service.

Highly Commended Award in Meeting the Challenge.

For cases that are more challenging than others and require the right combination of perseverance, imagination and appropriate tools to be brought into play.