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 £22,000 for 1-2 Bed units and £27,000 for 3 Bed or more units in exchange for a 3 year letting. The grant can only be approved where the owner agrees to allow the council 3 years nomination rights at a rent which does not exceed the maximum level supported by the local housing allowance.

Conservation Grants

These grants were developed to address the problem of empty properties which may be of historic interest.

We can offer up to £15,000 per bedroom created but on a match funded basis, i.e. 50% of eligible costs. These grants are restricted to empty (over 6 months) buildings which are either on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk register, listed in some form, in a Conservation area or an area formally declared for regeneration.

For further information relating to Empty Homes please contact an Empty Properties Officer on 020 8871 7668 or email zcooke@wandsworth.gov.uk.

Download a grant information Pack & application form