Empty Property scheme
Owners of empty properties can apply for financial help of up to £6,000 towards major repair works that would make a property fit to live in. These can include electrical installations, heating repairs, and replacing windows and doors.
The payment – which is made up of a 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan – is given on condition that the council's Homelessness Team can nominate tenants to the property for 5 years. After this period, the property owner can use the refurbished property as they wish.
The total amount will be placed as a local land charge on the property for 5 years from the completion of the works. After 5 years, only the 50% loan part – up to £3,000 – will remain on the property until it is repaid by the applicant or paid out of the proceeds of a sale. If the property is sold within 5 years, or if the owner fails to comply with the condition of the offer, the grant and loan will both be repayable.
To be eligible, the property must be located in Thurrock and have been empty for at least 3 months.
To apply for the initiative, email our Private Housing service.