Spelthorne Borough Council

Providing Quality Services to the People of
Ashford, Laleham, Shepperton, Staines, Stanwell & Sunbury

Empty properties

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Introduction The need for housing, particularly in the south-east is high, and this puts pressure on local authorities to find ways of providing homes. Development of new build houses is a logical option but it often involves developing in an already threatened environment. This is particularly relevant in the Spelthorne which has very limited space and is heavily populated, and is also committed maintaining it's greenbelt sites. Spelthorne Borough Council recognise that property owners have the right, within reason to do as they wish with their property. It is also recognised however, that empty properties are a wasted resource that if left can deteriorate quickly into an eyesore that reduces the value of neighbouring homes by as much as 18%. If the property is obviously empty it may attract anti-social behaviour. This can include fly tipping, general vandalism (smashed windows etc), or if the property is not secured drug dealing or even arson at the house. An Empty Homes Strategy (pdf 298kb) has recently been adopted by the council members and outlines how the council plan to deal with the issue within Spelthorne. Spelthorne empty homes information pack An Empty Homes Information Pack has been designed to assist empty property owners to bring their property back into use. By clicking on the links below you will be able to view information contained in the pack. Estate Agents operating within Spelthorne (Word 24kb) Letting Agents operating within Spelthorne (Word 20kb) Housing Associations operating within the Borough (Word 19kb) Empty Homes VAT Discounts and Exemptions (Word 22kb) Spelthorne Private Sector Leasing Scheme (external website) For more detailed information on this scheme within Spelthorne, please contact James Mariner 01784 446251 Spelthorne Rentstart (external website) Southern Private Landlords Association (external website) Empty homes information leaflet Alongside the Information Pack, an easy to follow information leaflet titled 'using your empty home' is available to empty property owners, landlords and any one else with interest in empty property reoccupation. If you would like a copy, or more information, please contact Environmental Health on 01784 446251 Council Tax and empty homes Empty homes from, 1 April 2005, will no longer enjoy the benefit of a 50% reduction in Council Tax demands. The Council Tax for an empty property will be at the same rate of an occupied property in the same tax banding. It is hoped that this will help encourage the owner to occupy the property and reduce this increased financial burden. For more information please visit the Council Tax section of the website.
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