The Council is concerned about the growing number of empty properties in the Borough and the shortage of affordable, good quality housing for rent. Following formal approval by the Council, we are currently piloting interest-free financial assistance for Accredited Landlords, Developers, Contractors registered with the Wirral Traders Scheme and first time buyers for up to £10,000 to bring long-term empty properties back into use.

The financial assistance will cover the cost of refurbishment works up to £10,000 including fees to bring long term empty properties up to the Decent Home Standard so that they can then be re-occupied. Applicants will not have to pay back the financial assistance until the property is sold, however there will be a condition that the Council is able to nominate tenants from the Wirralhomes register to occupy the property for a period of 5 years excluding first time buyers. The Council will provide access to tenancy support services as part of the scheme.

For applicants who would like to refurbish their property but don't want to manage the property afterwards, they have the option to lease the property to Cosmopolitan Housing Association (the Council's partner for the Private Sector Leasing Scheme). Cosmopolitan will oversee any necessary works, needed to bring the property up to decent homes standard, find tenants and collect the rent in return for a management fee.

If you have a property that has been empty for a long time you could be sitting on a valuable source of income that the Council can help you to realise. Even if you do not qualify for the financial assistance, the Empty Property Team will still be keen to speak to you. They may be able to offer you other forms of assistance to help you to improve the property and find tenants or sell the property so it can be re-occupied.

For more information please call the Empty Property Team Hotline on 0151 691 8005.