Assistance will be available to help the owners of qualifying empty properties in the form of an interest-free loan of up to £10,000 towards the cost of refurbishment works. If this loan is taken up, works must be to a standard approved by the Council. The loan will be a financial charge on the property and will be repayable when the property is sold.

Applications from accredited landlords and from building contractors and building service contractors registered (subject to legal advice concerning the development of a preferred contractor list) with the Trading Standards Team Wirral Traders scheme will be considered for these loans. Other developers keen to renovate empty properties will also be considered, at the Empty Property Team's discretion.

Developers, builders, and landlords who apply for these loans must accept nominations of tenants from Wirral Re-housing Services; they will also have to make the property available for letting for a period of five years.

These loans will also be made available to proven first time buyers for owner occupation. Please note that Empty Property Loans are not available in group repair and neighbourhood facelift areas.

Please telephone 691 8005 for more details.