Empty Property Grants

Originally written by Jennifer Lowe, updated by the editorial team on 26th May 2026

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.

Empty Property Grant Finder

Find out what funding, loans and VAT relief might be available for bringing an empty or derelict property back into use.

Try our Empty Property Grant 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 Empty Property Grant Finder lets you find out what funding, loans and VAT relief might be available for bringing an empty or derelict property back into use. Try it now →

51 questions

Ask Grants Expert a Question

GrantsExpert Editor 17/05/2026 at 1:34 pm

@Andy Your first port of call should be Ashford Borough Council's housing team, as they sometimes offer empty property loans or assistance if the home has been vacant for six months or more. It's also worth asking about disabled facilities grants or energy efficiency schemes like ECO4 if any of the work qualifies. For straight refurbishment on an occupied home, grants are thin on the ground, so a further advance from a mortgage lender or a home improvement loan tends to be the realistic route.

Andy 11/09/2023 at 2:09 pm

I have a mortgage free 3 bedroom house in Ashford Kent that needs refurbishment. Where can I g et grant or loan to do this.

Frankieandie 31/08/2023 at 4:47 pm

Hi we are very interested in purchasing a building that is unused and in very bad state ...we want to renovate it and use it as a home/recording studio ...we have the money to buy it but that is litually everything we have ...to make the studio into a safe and habit able building we need some help is this something you can help with please

tim. 23/09/2021 at 3:02 pm

My flat needs new timber joists. 2 bed flat in London. I do not have the money for this since Timber prices escalated recently. I am a home owner, flat is empty but was previously rented to Housing Association to house homeless individuals.

I don't have one 02/05/2021 at 12:31 pm

I have plans to open the proposed community hub HAC, Hull Active Community, which would offer space to people and projects for the setting up and running of activities and events open to all ages and abilities, but as this and a grant from from the DWP, suggested by them, to get HAC off the ground as a Social Enterprise, that I was working towards gaining, had been put on hold due to Covid 19, I am now trying to raise funding to open up a community selling centre, within my local area, which will sell locally produced and second hand goods for local buisnesses and people, which will be sold on a "Sale & Return" basis, with a small percentage of the proceeds being paid to the centre, so it could be put towards the planned hubs future costs and as the centre will also sell donated goods, with all the proceeds covering part of the centre's running costs and the centre will also offer free goods from donations, such as books, clothing, food, toys etc., but that will depend on the donors requirements and there will be roles for volunteers and work placements and as I have come across a suitable commercial property in my local area, I need to raise the finance to either cover the rental cost of £16,500 pa over a set 2 or 3 year lease or the purchase cost of £175,000 and so I am searching for the funding to cover either cost and if I am lucky enough to gain the funding to rent or buy the property, I will be looking for help with the property's renovation costs or advice on what could be done to the property, so I am wondering if anyone knows of any funding or sponsors that I could apply for or if anyone knows anyone who'd be willing to consider offering their services to renovate the property or state what could be done.
I have had interest from local people and online businesses wanting to sell from within the centre and I have already teamed up with an existing creative project, which has offered to run activities within the hub.
And if anyone know of any funding or sponsors or support, please can they let me know asap.
Thanks for reading my message..

foxy 24/04/2021 at 11:38 am

Hi, we started to renovate our home and moved in to a rental property. My husband is a builder
But unfortunately we had a difficult turn where he had a stroke and now I am the only earner and we have fallen in to financial difficulties and we have a little girl. We are now paying rent tax as well as the mortgage and empty property tax on our home. All the money I get seems to be going on the bills and we just about manage. Can I get any help to bring my property so we can move back in and save over £800 a month.

Kaka 25/02/2021 at 12:52 pm

Can we apply for a grant for our flat it needs total renovating and unoccupied for more than 3 years

Jenny 09/02/2021 at 9:07 am

I live a house full of damp and after the damp I can't afford to renovate my house , I owe lot already and I have allergies issues which renovating it will make it a home for me . I will be glad if you can help me

suesh 08/02/2021 at 3:15 pm

It seems no one gets answers hear, disheartening. I want to but. Former Church and live in it but can't seem to get any help. So it looks like a developer willove in a make flats instead, sods law.

Sweeba 02/02/2021 at 4:23 pm

Hi we have bought to house and is need in renovation.can i apply for grant

Dots 23/01/2021 at 7:20 pm

We bought an old hse, that needs doing up,we couldn't afford a turn key, it is our first home are we entitled to some help

Greedygoblin 10/01/2021 at 6:27 pm

Grants to purchase and renovate. ??????
What exactly are YOU offering butch

Giz 07/01/2021 at 10:16 pm

We found an empty property last year and brought it. We are renovating it. Upgrading the heating system currently there isn't one. Complete bathroom, complete kitchen completly gutted.. Needs new windows etc
Are we entitled to any help.

Lucky 03/01/2021 at 3:09 pm

Hi, I am a builder and my company has been badly effected by coronavirus and am looking to hopefully get in this industry if there is any help or advice you can give me it would be much appreciated

Tash 25/11/2020 at 4:35 am

I have 3 grown up kids still living at home 29 21 15
They all have a bedroom and I've got spine and disc trouble would I be eligible for a grant to make a bedroom for myself on the side of my home which I could walk out from my front room in to .dont no where to start I'm a council tenant 30 years in the same house. Thanks

richallen 23/11/2020 at 8:41 pm

hi

is there any company who will help me claim property grants for empty house i am renovating

thanks

Hope 03/11/2020 at 7:30 am

I have a empty 4 bedroom property please can you tell me if I’m eligible for a grant. The property need gas central heating currently storage heaters that is not working. The roof need repairing and water pipe leaking

Katerina 11/10/2020 at 9:46 am

I just move into new property. There are any funding or grants to make renovation (walls and floor) in flat and bring flat to living standards? Thank you

Jordan 09/10/2020 at 10:39 pm

Just moved into new place just looking for any funds to renevate the place as nothi g here

Bel Spencer 27/08/2020 at 12:43 pm

Looking for advice on funding for an empty property charity organisation
thanks

butch 12/06/2020 at 3:14 pm

I am looking for funding to buy and renovate a shop unit, for community use and I am wondering if there's a grant for this.

Dannyboy 16/04/2020 at 6:35 pm

Hiya of been reading about this and would like to know more into this as I know ov a few abandoned house and would love to get in this positions and hopefully put something back into the community please could someone contact me thanks

Dai 13/02/2020 at 2:47 pm

After 34 years in the Army I bought a house 2 years ago which we live in and are still renovating. Planning has been granted for change of use comerical to residential. We have carried out all work required by planning which has included sprinklers and external insulation at great expense.
We have now been advised the slate roof needs replacing, is there any help available for doing this. I have a daughter living with me on ESA.

Llew 02/01/2020 at 1:17 pm

There is a property that I would be interested in buying as a first time buyer, however this property would need a substantial amount of work done to make it livable..I would not have the funds for these actions to be carried out as my money would be used as a deposit..would I possibly be eligible for a grant of some sort?thanks

river 19/07/2019 at 2:58 pm

I found a property while I was on a walk which looks abandoned, completely overgrown and falling apart. I want to go to the council and enquire about it, however I am only young and don't have any funds whatsoever to buy the property. Also, because I am so young (18), I feel like if I was to ask for a load or funding for this project, I wouldn't be taken seriously. I have always wanted to find my own project property to restore, and I have fallen in love with this one and would really hate to see this go to somebody else. I have so many ideas of how to restore it to its former glory. Does anybody have any suggestions on how I can go about trying to rescue this property?

Joesy21 16/04/2019 at 1:43 pm

My mum Passed away nearly 2 years ago, as an only child that then meant I inherited her house. It us in a state of disrepair. Are there any grants available to bring the house up to living standards.

Cath 11/04/2019 at 1:46 pm

My partner has just inherited his fathers house it is currently a 2 bedroom which has substandard bathroom and kitchen and small unusable extension.we wish to move into the property but it is unsuitable as we have 2 children one disabled, in order to move in the property the current extension downstairs is very small this would need to be extended outwards width wise and upwards to add another bedroom, we currently live in a housing association house and would like some information on how we could have help to move into this property, we are based in Rhondda Cynon Taff council if you could email me I would be extremely grateful thank you

Alice 22/03/2019 at 4:40 pm

One of my friends was applying for the grant but was then told that they weren’t eligible due to the amount of money they had so much capital can you have and still qualify for the grant?

russ 23/01/2019 at 10:56 am

i have a flat for more than 3 years now needs alot of work electrical and plumbing some builders quote me around £10,000 worth of work. cannot afford, local council wrote to me to say the council tax will go up to 200% this april, is there any types of grants to help me please

N/a 27/09/2018 at 9:52 am

House is emptey for a more then 2 years run down my proprety

P M 19/09/2018 at 5:53 pm

Hey, I'm looking to find out information about grants! Thansk

Shaws 07/09/2018 at 6:18 pm

I was wondering my father needs his roof replaced he 78years old and has alzimers would he be able to get a grant to help him

GrantsExpert Editor 27/07/2018 at 11:19 am

Talk to your local council, they will have information about organisations in your area that can help with supplying some of the items you need either for free or at low cost.

Rii 26/07/2018 at 7:25 am

Ive just been placed in my first 2 bedroom flat and i have nothing in there whatsover not even a cooker how can i apply for a loan or grant to help me?

GrantsExpert Editor 19/05/2017 at 2:30 pm

You need to ask your local council to see if they are operating any empty property grant schemes at the moment.

Lesley 18/05/2017 at 5:00 pm

I am looking to buy a listed house. The house needs complete renovation. We won't have any money to make the house particularly habitable . Is their any one we can approach to help us with a possible grant .? I read a grant maybe available after 3 yrs of owning the property.
Is this the case?

JAMES Steele 16/05/2017 at 8:08 pm

My mother inlaws home has been empty for a year and is falling to bits can we get a grant to do it up as she's moved in with us in our 1 bed flat

Animal 17/02/2017 at 5:29 pm

Hi I purchest a house over 2yrs ago i needs gutting, I have come to terms with the fact i need to spend money on it, but would like to know if there are any grants at all available for any of or part of the work that needs to be done in it, like the roof, heating & water, wiring, windows & doors the list can go on, as i say it needs a full gut
I have started gutting it, but would like to find out if there is any help i can get? At the moment i live in a static caravan in my garden .

Thanks

GrantsExpert Editor 08/12/2016 at 12:17 pm

Are you claiming benefits of any sort? Do you intend to rent it out as affordable housing? If so, your local authority might help. If the building is of historical interest you could try approaching the various historical buildings trusts and similar organisations. If you're intending to live in the property and/or sell it on after renovation, it's unlikely you'll be able to find any grants or financial help. Have you considered your borrowing options? Refurbishment mortgage? Bridge to Let loans etc?

janeford74 05/12/2016 at 5:14 pm

I have bough a house sept 2016 which has been empty for several years and needs a lot of repair work down to damp/electric/gas heating etc please advise

louise 26/09/2016 at 11:56 am

is there any grants my son can get help with he is buying a very old house and needs gutting right down to bear walls, he is looking to do underfloor heating and all things that are eco frendly, he does work Regards area is bassetlaw

Smcc 23/08/2016 at 6:50 pm

I have seen a dorran property for sale within argyll and Bute at a cost of £90,000,however structurally it requires approximately £40,000 in externally works/cladding to bring the property back to a standard construction property, there is a quote attached to the home report. The property has been on the market for almost 2 years and is lying empty, it is not mortgageable, therefore requires a cash buyer. I am single parent working part time receiving working tax credit and child tax credit, I have obtained an interest free loan from a family member to purchase the property, however do not have the funds to complete the external works where the walls are cracking. Are there any grants available for recladding dorrans properties in my area within argyll and Bute which are means tested to assist low income families?

GrantsExpert Editor 09/05/2016 at 12:41 pm

The first thing to do would be to contact the Land Registry to see if you can find out who owns it. You can then contact the current owner and see whether they are willing to sell or rent it to you.

Shell 06/05/2016 at 6:05 pm

There has been an abandoned empty house at the end of my street for well over 10 years now. From past knowledge a very ill elderly man used to live there. There hasn't been anybody visit that house since he disapeared. I am very very interested in moving into this house and wondered how I go about it. It has been boarded up for over 10 years and looks a discrace to are lovely neighbourhood. It's fully over grown and recently attracting youths. I have my fingers crossed hoping for some good news back about my request. Thankyou

sharon 09/07/2015 at 8:25 pm

Im looking for any form of help with a derilict home that i bought 3yrs this november. I am currently renting a private property with my 3 children my youngest is whitney whom is 13yrs old & is autistic even if i could jst get central heating sorted out i'd move in & work on it myself. The boiler is there but someone broke in & stole the pipes & radiaters any help or advice would be much appreciated many thanx

Sirbenfro 25/01/2015 at 5:58 pm

Have I misread this article?
It's an empty home grant but yet the article states that you have to have occupied the property for 3 years before you make the initial grant request.

GrantsExpert Editor 15/01/2015 at 11:38 am

@Zak. You could try doing something in association with your local council or housing association. There are funds available from Empty Homes government funding scheme, but the resulting property sometimes has to be used for social or affordable housing.

zak 13/01/2015 at 4:57 pm

ive just bought a derelict property , been empty for over 7/8 years, it is in need of full renovation such as double glazed windows , central heating, kitchen bathroom,. is there any funding or help available to turn this property in a family home for someone. i am based in sheffield.

GrantsExpert Editor 09/10/2014 at 11:52 am

@Pip. The empty properties fund is aimed at 'long term' empty properties. The aim is to bring them back in to use quickly and as affordable housing options to those who are in need. It's not designed simply to help owners of a property renovate it at their leisure.

Pip 08/10/2014 at 10:50 am

I have owned a property with my brother for nearly 4 years, the house is a state, all metals pipes have been stolen, floorboards up, holes in the ceilings, windows broke the list is endless. We want to do the work our selfs but funding is a serious issue. We are for ever getting hounded off the local council to let them take over but we want to do this our selfs. They Contacted us saying they will take over for 3 years minimum, I told them the state of the house that they had seen the outside of as they have been having a nosy, they said it was to far gone and when we had done some work to it get in-touch. I wasn't interested in handing over our house for them to put some tenant that will just wreck what we own as thats the sort of area it is but is slowly improving as the landlords on the street are learning by the mistakes of their previous tenants. How do we get a grant to we can finish our property without the local council just wanting to take over, surely this funding should be shared with genuine people with similar properties. Thank you

mez 04/07/2014 at 12:57 pm

i have an unoccupied house that needs centrel heating and general tidy up and decorating to make it livable I will then either rent or sell if I got to but im struggling to do it myself as im on beifits I have not lived in this house for several years due to my circumstances,i hear of grants available to help people like me and would like more info please im paying a mortage of £30 a week and cant get it done up to possible rent

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