Empty Homes

Long-term empty properties contribute to the housing shortage, create eyesores in the community and decrease the value of neighbouring properties.

Empty property owners are missing out on the potential income generated through letting or selling their property.

How do I report an empty property?

If a private property is empty and causing problems, please contact Torfaen Council on 01495 762200.

Landlord Loan

In partnership with the Welsh Government, Torfaen Council are offering interest free loans to assist empty property owners to bring their properties back into use.

Individuals and companies can apply for the loan if they own an empty property or are considering buying an empty property in Torfaen. 

The loan is available for properties that have been empty for at least 6 months or more (the property does not need to have been owned by the applicant for that period).

The maximum loan amount is £25,000 per property or unit, up to a total maximum of £250,000 per applicant.

Money is paid upfront to the owner and will need to be repaid within:

• 2 years if the property is to be sold
• 5 years if the property is to be rented

There are no monthly repayments, and the applicant can repay the loan earlier than the specified time.

Any loan offered cannot exceed 80% of the current property value.  The loan approved must be secured by a first or second charge being secured against the property.  If there is an existing mortgage on the property we need the lenders to consent to secure our charge.

For more information about the Landlord Loan, contact 01495 742629 or housingenabling@torfaen.gov.uk

Enforcement

Where empty property owners are not compliant and all negotiations have failed, Torfaen Council may take enforcement action to ensure that the empty property is returned to habitable condition and brought back into use.  Enforcement actions may include empty dwelling management orders, enforced sale, compulsory purchase orders or voluntary acquisition.