Empty Homes

Everyone can benefit from an empty home being brought back into use. Homes that are lived in help to support safer communities and the local economy. The demand for housing in the district of South Holland is very high. We have an expectation that every empty property should be occupied.

We are committed to working with owners of empty homes to help bring their properties back into use. 

From 1 April 2019, any home that has been empty for more than two years will be charged 200 percent council tax. See our web page for more information.

Even if your empty home is in good condition now, empty homes are more likely to be at risk of vandalism and criminal damage. Leaving a home empty can also result in higher maintenance and repair costs than occupied properties. The best way to keep your empty home safe and secure it is to keep it occupied. 

Owners that leave properties empty

We have a range of powers under the Housing Act 2004, for example we can:

• serve an Improvement Notice to make the owner bring their property up to a 'decent homes' standard
• apply for an Empty Dwelling Management Order which enables us to take control of the property, carry out remedial works and use the property to reduce the housing need in the District
• serve a Compulsory Purchase Order which allows us to buy the property and sell it on
• enforce the sale of the property.

South Holland District Council Empty Homes Strategy

Read our Empty Homes Strategy (PDF, 102 KB)(opens new window) and our Empty Homes Strategy appendix (PDF, 60 KB)(opens new window) here.

Reporting an Empty Home

If you are concerned about an empty property near you - please get in touch with our Housing Standards Team on 01775 761161 or email housingstandards@sholland.gov.uk.