Empty Property Grants

What are empty property grants?

England has around 260,000 long-term empty homes, properties that have sat vacant for six months or more. Bringing these back into use could ease pressure on local housing supply, and some councils offer financial support to encourage exactly that.

Empty property grants are funds offered by local authorities to help cover renovation costs for homes that have been vacant for a set period. The goal is simple: turn neglected buildings into liveable homes, whether for the owner to occupy, rent out, or sell.

These grants vary widely depending on where you live. Some councils offer tens of thousands of pounds, while others may have limited funds or no current schemes at all. Availability shifts over time based on local budgets and housing priorities. Housing associations and charities also run programmes in some areas, so grants from the council are not the only option worth exploring.

Grant Eligibility Finder

Tell us what you need funding for and we will match you with the types of UK grant most likely to accept your application.

Try our Grant Eligibility Finder free, here on this site →

Finding an empty property

Locating an empty home is often the first challenge. You might spot one while walking through your neighbourhood, or hear about one through local contacts. Some stand out immediately with boarded windows and post spilling from the letterbox, while others show few outward signs of vacancy.

Once you have identified a property, you will need to find out who owns it. In England and Wales, the Land Registry holds ownership records. You can search their database online for a small fee, which will usually give you the registered owner's name and address. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate systems: Registers of Scotland and the Land Registry of Northern Ireland respectively.

Your local council can also help. Many authorities track empty homes in their area and some have dedicated empty homes officers. These officers may be able to point you toward properties or facilitate contact with owners who have expressed interest in selling.

Check whether the property is already part of a planning application or development scheme. The council's planning department can tell you if existing plans for the site might affect your options.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Buying an empty property

Finding a vacant home does not mean you can automatically purchase it. The owner may have no interest in selling, or complications such as disputed ownership, ongoing legal matters, or inheritance issues may need resolving first.

Even when an owner is willing to sell, local conditions may apply. In areas classed as deprived or in need of regeneration, councils sometimes give priority to local residents or people with existing ties to the community. This might mean those who already live in the area, work there, or run a local business.

Buyers in these situations may need to sign an agreement committing to stay in the property or area for a specified number of years. This helps ensure that regeneration efforts benefit local residents rather than outside investors seeking quick returns.

These requirements can feel like extra hurdles, but they often come with benefits. Properties sold under such schemes may be offered at reduced prices, and buyers who meet the criteria can access grant funding that would not otherwise be available.

Applying for a grant

Grant schemes differ from one council to another, so thorough research is essential before committing to a purchase. Some local authorities run dedicated empty homes programmes with clear application processes, while others handle requests individually. A few may have no current funding available.

Typical conditions for receiving a grant might include:

• The property must have been empty for a minimum period, often six months or longer
• The renovation work must meet certain standards
• The property must be let at an affordable rent or made available to the council's housing list for a set time
• The owner must use approved contractors or obtain multiple quotes
• Clawback clauses requiring partial or full repayment if the property is sold within a specified period, though terms vary significantly between schemes

Some councils offer loans rather than outright grants, or a combination of both. Others provide help with specific costs such as reconnecting utilities or meeting building regulations.

To find out what is available, contact your local council's housing department directly. They can explain current schemes, eligibility criteria, and application processes. Many councils publish information on their websites, though details are sometimes buried in housing strategy documents. GOV.UK offers general guidance on housing support, but local scheme specifics are best confirmed with individual councils.

The Empty Homes Network and Action on Empty Homes campaign on this issue and maintain useful resources for anyone considering a project.

Speaking to your council early is worthwhile. Understanding what support might be available, and what conditions apply, helps you assess whether a project is financially viable before you commit.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Grant Eligibility Finder lets you tell us what you need funding for and we will match you with the types of UK grant most likely to accept your application. Try it now →