In the UK there are over hundreds of thousands of empty residential properties with approximately a quarter of these houses being vacant for more than 12 months. Even though most empty homes do not cause any problems or have a cause for complaints, however these empty properties can be attract attentions from the wrong type of crowd. This can result in anti-social behaviour and acts of vandalism on the grounds of the vacant house. Also properties that have been left empty and in a state of disrepair can also be used by drug addicts and other illegal activities.
By leaving a house empty can result in many disadvantages to the property owner. Some of these include;
- The value of the house can depreciate considerably
- Without any maintenance the condition of property may rapidly deteriorate
- The property may get occupied by squatters
- Empty property insurance will be required as standard home insurance policies will not normally provide cover for buildings that have been empty for more than thirty days.
- The risk of vandalism increases
- There is also high risk of arson attacks, fly-tipping and break-ins
Most Council’s provide some sort of advice and help in bringing back these empty properties to occupation. Please contact your local authority to see if they have a scheme that can help to bring your vacant house back into occupation.
Comments are closed.