Improving private housing

Do you own an empty property?

There are many reasons why a property may lay vacant, and a major cause can come down to a lack of funds, preventing the owner from getting the property up to a decent standard to either sell or rent out to tenants. If vacant properties remain empty however, then the council do have powers to get the properties back into use.

You may be eligible to apply for a grant from the Council to help meet the cost of major works or repairs to your empty property. The property must have been empty for at least 6 months.

Vacant Property Grants

We operate a scheme in partnership with six other councils in South West London: providing grants for renovating long-term empty homes.

The council can offer a grant aid for eligible costs per dwelling up to a maximum of £25,000 in exchange for a 5 year letting. The grant can only be approved where the owner agrees to allow the council 5 years nomination rights at a rent which does not exceed the maximum level supported by the local housing allowance.

Download a grant information pack and application form

More information

Contact an Empty Properties Officer