Empty properties

Empty residential properties in Ryedale

We work with property owners across Ryedale to encourage and help them bring empty properties back into use.  We do this because local people need decent, affordable homes. 

We have put together a plan that explains how big a problem this is across Ryedale as well as what we are doing to bring empty properties back into use. The Ryedale Empty Property Strategy 2021-2024 is available to download.

Why are empty properties a problem?

A property is a great investment, but when it’s left empty it can cause lots of problems:  

• An empty house can seriously affect the condition and value of adjoining properties
• The longer a house sits empty, the more neglected it becomes 
• It is more at risk of vandalism and other misuse 
• It attracts antisocial behaviour
• They have a harmful impact on the neighbourhood 
• It attracts fly tipping
• An empty property will quickly reduce in value
• The owner is losing money on their asset, rather than making money

Houses are in huge demand in Ryedale.  An empty house could be used to provide someone with a home as well as providing the owner with valuable income.

How do we help owners of empty properties?

Properties are left empty for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, owners need help and guidance to bring them back into use.  This might simply be advice about how to sell the property, or how to go about renting it out. We will always try to work with owners to help them get the property brought back into use.

If you own an empty property and want to renovate it for rental accommodation, we have funding to help you. Information about private landlord improvement loans and grants is available here.

How do we deal with empty properties?

We always offer advice and support to owners of empty properties.  If the owner of an empty property does not work with us (or doesn’t try to bring an empty property back into use) we can take formal action. This can include:

• Applying for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) 
• Selling an empty property to recover any debt that’s owed to the council. In this case, a charge is placed on the property before it is sold through an auction
• Applying for an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO). Once approved, this gives us the right to possession of a property without owning it. Once an EDMO has been made, the council can do most things the owner would normally be allowed to do, like entering it to inspect its condition and even managing it.

How do I report an empty property?

We will then investigate it and take action.

There is some information that we can’t provide about empty properties, but you may find information about ownership from the Land Registry.

How do I find a tenant for my empty property?

If you are a landlord and have an empty property, we can sometimes help you to find a tenant.

Please email Housing Services. They will then refer you to the Council’s Housing Specialists who will see if anyone might be suitable for your property. Once we have found a possible tenant we will contact you with their details.

I want to buy an empty property. How can I trace the owner?

There are many ways to try and get in touch with the owner of an empty property: 

• Approach your local Councillor – they may have useful local knowledge and may be able to help
• Post a note on the door of the empty property saying that you would like to contact the owner
• Talk to neighbours 
• Contact the area Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator and any other neighbourhood community groups as well as local shopkeepers – they may well know something about the owner
• Contact our Planning or Building Control Departments. If they have processed planning applications or had any dealings with the owner in the past, they may know the name and last known address
• Contact the local police station and speak to the home beat officer. He/she may have attempted to contact the owner if the police have had to secure an empty property against theft or vandalism
• Do a search of the Land Registry.  You should find information on all owners of registered land. If the land is unregistered, the Land Registry will not give any information, but you could do a search of the Land Charges Registry. This will show the owner’s details if there are any charges against the property (e.g. a second mortgage) or if bankruptcy papers have been filed.  For more information on Land Registry and Land Charges visit the Land Registry website. There may be a fee.
• Contact a private firm who specialise in tracing and searching. We are not able to recommend any specific company