Leeds council gives loans of up to £30,000 to empty home owners

Owners of homes that have been empty and unfurnished for two years or more have to pay a premium on their council tax, meaning they pay twice the amount they normally would.

The council also has a number of other initiatives to help the owners of empty properties get them back into use.

Free advice for owners of empty homes

You can get help to bring your empty property back into use from the Empty Homes Doctor.

The service, funded by Leeds City Council, offers free, practical support to empty property owners.

Call 0113 410 9383, email [email protected] or visit the Empty Homes Doctor website for more.

Loans of up to £30k for repairs

Owners of empty homes can apply for a loan from the council to help make repairs and bring their property back into use.

Applications can be made for interest free personal loans of between £1,000 and £5,000 to make a home liveable again.

You may be eligible if your property has been empty for at least 12 months.

The council also takes applications for five-year secured loans of up to £30,000, where fees and interest is payable.

Help finding a buyer for your empty home

The council has a directory of investors interested in buying empty homes, with details of the postcodes that are of particular interest to them and how you can make contact.

If you're looking to buy empty homes in Leeds, you can also sign up to have your contact details listed on the investors register.